Index: Consumers less confident

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has retreated even as concerns over business and labor conditions mount. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index fell more than six points to 95.2 in April, more than erasing a 2.5-point gain in March. “This month’s retreat was prompted by a softening in current conditions likely […]

Small business confidence index retreats

A monthly index tracking confidence among small business owners has retreated on lower readings for each of its 10 components. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index dropped 2.8 points to 95.2 in March. That’s the lowest reading since June and back below the long-term average reading of 98.1. […]

Consumer confidence rebounds on more upbeat outlook

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has rebounded on more upbeat outlooks for improving labor conditions and increasing income. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index climbed to 101.3 for March, up 2.5 points from a revised reading of 98.8 in February. “This month’s increase was driven by an improved short-term outlook for […]

Confidence index retreats on less upbeat outlook

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has dropped on less upbeat readings for business and labor conditions, but also reflects expectations the United States economy will continue to grow. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index retreated more than seven points to 96.4 in February. The drop nearly erased a gain in January […]

New year brings new gains in U.S. payrolls

The new year is off to a better than expected start for job growth with an estimated addition of nearly 260,000 positions to U.S. payrolls in January. The national unemployment rate edged up a tenth of a point to 5.7 percent as more than 700,000 people returned to the work force to look for or […]

Small Business Optimism Index retreats

A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has retreated on less upbeat expections for everything from improving conditions to sales to earnings. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index slipped 2.5 points to 97.9 in January. The decrease erased a 2.3-point increase in December that pushed the […]

Leading Economic Index signals growth ahead

A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to rise, signaling growth in the months ahead. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index increased a half a percentage point to 121.1 in December. With the latest gain, the fourth in as many months, the index has advanced 3.3 percent over […]

Small Business Optimism Index climbs to eight-year high

A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has climbed to its highest level in more than eight years on more upbeat expectations for sales, hiring and capital outlays. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.3 points to 100.4 in December. That’s the highest reading since […]

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