Economic Resilience Appears Improved Economic resilience appears improved boosting small business optimism at the end of 2023. The NFIB small business optimism index rose 1.3 points in December, tying with July for the highest reading of the year. Wells Fargo Consumer Price Index Rose in December The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all urban consumers [...]
Owners' Expectations for Earnings Raise Small Business Optimism Led by owners' expectations for earnings, economic conditions and staffing, seven of the Small Business Optimism Index 's 10 components increased during the month. The NFIB small Business Optimism Index edged 0.5 points higher in December, to 98.9. Staffing concerns and inflation remain the most pressing issues for [...]
The Longest Bull Market Ended Wednesday The longest bull market ended Wednesday as the Dow retreated 20% from its February high, which could also mean an end to the economic expansion we have enjoyed for over 10 years. Time will tell on that one. Small Business Optimism Index Rose in February The National Federation of [...]
July Retail Sales Surpassed Expectations July retail sales surpassed expectations. Rising 0.7 %, gains were broad-based with ten of the thirteen categories seeing an increase in sales over the month. Wells Fargo US Drill Rigs Running Down From Previous Count There were 934 drill rigs operating in the US last week, down 8 rigs from [...]
Iron Ore Prices Soared 67% This Year "Iron ore prices soared 67% this year, a resurgence driven by falling supplies that has led to challenging times for steel mills that use the material. As steel's main ingredient, iron ore is one of the world's most traded commodities and can influence prices for materials used in [...]
Chinese Tariff on US Auto Imports Now 15% Chinese tariff on US auto imports now 15%, down from 40% currently, after China agreed to lower it ... Big Win. US Drill Rigs Running Slipped Last Week The number of drill rigs running in the US slipped by one last week, to 1,075. Led by Oklahoma, [...]
Small Business Optimism Slipped in September Small business optimism slipped 0.9 points in September but remains near an all-time high. Tighter labor markets are pushing compensation costs higher and many businesses are passing on those higher costs. Wells Fargo US Raw Steel Production Retreated Again Last Week US raw steel production retreated again last week, [...]
Small Business Optimism Reaches Historic Level Small business optimism reaches historic level, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Survey, which rose 3.0 points in May, reaching the second highest level in the 45 year history of the survey. Wells Fargo US Stainless Steel Prices Rose Stainless steel prices in [...]
Small Business Optimism Slipped in March Small business optimism slipped 2.9 points to 104.7 in March following February's strong reading, which was the second highest in series history. Earnings and compensation trends were notable bright spots in the report. Higher worker compensation was reported by a net 33% of respondents, which is the highest level [...]
Small Business Optimism Rose in January to 106.9 Small Business Optimism rose 2.0 points in January to 106.9, just shy of its all-time high hit in November. Firms report improved pricing power and increased wage pressure while capital spending plans also increased. Wells Fargo Cutting Tool Demand Rose 8.3% in 2017 Cutting tool demand rose [...]
