A monthly measure of consumer confidence has increased on more upbeat expectations for business and labor conditions that defy volatility in the financial markets. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index rose 1.8 points to 98.1 in January. “Consumers’ assessment of current conditions held steady, while their expectations for the next six months […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has advanced, but reflects mixed expectations for business conditions, hiring and sales. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose four-tenths of a point to 95.2 in December. The index remains below its historical average of 98. The index is […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has retreated on less upbeat expectations for improving conditions, including sales and earnings. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index fell 1.3 points to 94.8 in November. The decrease is almost twice as large as the seven-tenths of a point […]
A monthly index forecasting economic performance in the United States has edged up, signaling continued, albeit slow, growth. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Indicator rose a tenth of a percent to 123.7 in August. Separate measures of current and past economic performance also increased. “The U.S. LEI suggests economic growth will remain […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners rebounded in July, but not enough to offset a more than four-point drop the month before or claw back to the long-term average. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.3 points to 95.4. The index retreated 4.2 points […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has increased on more upbeat expectations for earnings, expansions and economic conditions. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.4 points to 98.3 in May. The latest reading is the highest since the index stood at 100.4 in December […]
The latest analysis of new business filings in Colorado forecasts job growth in the state during the second and third quarters. A total of 28,115 new businesses registered with the secretary of state during the first quarter of 2015, up 6 percent from the 26,523 filings during the first quarter of 2014, according to a […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence has increased on more upbeat assessments of current labor conditions. Consumers remain wary about the months ahead, however. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index climbed more than a point to 95.4 in May. The gain follows a more than six-point drop in April. The present situation […]
The number of jobs in the United States continues to grow even as the jobless rate slips. According to the Department of Labor estimates for April, nonfarm payrolls increased 223,000 and the unemployment rate inched down a tenth of a point to 5.4 percen, the lowest level since May 2008. The initial estimate for job […]
A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners has rebounded on more upbeat expectations for everything from capital outlays and hiring to profits. Still, the index remains below its long-term average and continues to reflect uncertainty. “Optimism may have seen a slight bump from last month’s weak numbers. But there was not an especially […]