A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners has slipped as uncertainty over economic recovery persists. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Index of Small Business Optimism retreated six-tenths of a point to 92.6 in December. The decline followed four months of gains that had put the index at its highest […]
Every new business has to start somewhere. For some entrepreneurs, it begins as a hobby. For others, a new business grows out of a particular passion that’s been brewing for years. For still others, a new venture represents an outgrowth of recognizing an opportunity and then taking the steps to deliver a needed product or […]
A monthly indicator of future economic performance in the United States continues upward — suggesting the slow pace of growth could accelerate this spring. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index (LEI) climbed to 111.3 in October, up a half a percentage point. Based on revised information, the index has advanced 1.6 percent […]
A monthly index tracking conditions for small businesses in Colorado continues to rise, although slow national economic growth isn’t likely to bolster the state recovery. “Colorado’s expected return to modest economic growth in coming months won’t get much help from a soft U.S. economy,” said Jeff Thredgold, a corporate economist who calculates the Vectra Bank […]
The Mesa County unemployment rate remains little changed with a seasonal slowdown offsetting gains in some industry sectors. “We’re just kind of going into a lull,” said Suzie Miller, an employment specialist with the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. According to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners rose in October, although the latest reading continues to reflect recessionary conditions. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported that its Index of Small Business Optimism gained 2.7 points to climb to 91.7. The index, based on the results of monthly surveys of small business […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence has increased, but continued concerns about the economy and jobs reflect no big changes in sentiment. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) advanced 1.6 points to 50.2 in October on slightly more upbeat assessments of current conditions and the short-term outlook. “Consumer confidence, while slightly […]
A monthly measure of future economic activity in the United States continues to forecast growth, but at its slowest pace in more than a year. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Indicator (LEI) rose three-tenths of percent in September. A separate measure of past performance also increased, while a measure of current activity […]
A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners edged up for a second straight month, but continues to reflect conditions typical of an economy mired in recession. “The downturn may be officially over, but small business owners have, for the most part, seen no evidence of it,” said William Dunkelberg, chief economist for the […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners edged up a bit in August, but still reflects a mostly pessimistic outlook. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Index of Small business Optimism rose seven-tenths to 88.8. The index, based on the results of monthly surveys of small business owners across the […]