Article Abstract:
A survey of the small business owners/members of the National Federation of Independent Business indicates that the Index of Small Business Optimism rose from 96.3 points in October to 99.4 in November (1986=100). The survey showed that hiring plants rose to a net 11% of all firm and that 18% of all owners reporting that finding qualified labor is the most important problem they face. The topics summarized include the optimism index and outlook, earnings, sales, prices, employment, credit conditions, interest rates, inventories, capital investments, and the most important problem.
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Article Abstract:
Small businesses in the US performed fairly during the second quarter of 1998, as the Index of Small Business Optimism increased by 1 point to 102.1 in August. The industry also registered a five-point increase in the net frequency of gains, which is the highest level attained since 1988. Thirty percent of the firms surveyed reported an increase in level compensation while 20% stressed the need for acquiring qualified labor. The industry further displayed a sterling performance in terms of capital outlays, achieving a 38% increase in that category.
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Article Abstract:
Economic data on small businesses is set out, with information on levels of optimism among small businesses, and their plans in a number of areas such as hiring and capital spending plans.
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