NFIB INDEX “TREADING WATER”
Small businesses are less than enthused about their economic futures right now – more so than at any other point over the past two years, in fact. That’s another troubling indicator for America’s economy – which is hoping to avoid another recession.
According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), “dithering” by the federal government’s secretive central bank and ongoing hostility from the administration of U.S. president Barack Obama are contributing to the malaise.
Wait … nothing in there about “Republican” appeasement?
NFIB’s “optimism index” stood at 92.9 for February – well below its post recessionary peak of just over 100. Not a single one of its subindices showed upward motion, either.
“The small business sector is not headed up with any strength, just treading water waiting for a good reason to invest in the future,” the NFIB concluded.
(For a full review of the data, click here).
What’s driving this lethargy?
“Political uncertainty remains a major concern and the president does not seem inclined to act favorably on any small business owner’s major concerns,” NFIB chief economist William Dunkelberg said. “Fed policy communications are very disconcerting, giving an impression that the economy is weak. Too much monthly dithering. All of this generates uncertainty, the enemy of spending and hiring behavior that would move the economy forward at a faster pace.”
Small businesses drive economic growth in America – especially job growth. Unfortunately in the era of rampant dependency/ crony capitalism/ open borders/ “free trade,” the playing field is almost always tilted against them.
If our economy is ever going to improve, that’s got to change …
17 comments
I’m trying real hard to think what might be causing small business uncertainty. Hmmm…
Peyton Manning retiring?
That’s odd, the Patels have opened 3 new stores in my area in the past year.
What do you say to a Patel at Christmas? “A gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, and a pack of Marlboros, please.”
No smoking!!
After browsing the bio on NFIB, it is rather questionable whether they are really representing small businesses.
I doubt “small” businesses are paying any attention to Fed policy.
Yup. I wonder if they paid to have this article put up. How much of FitsNews is sponsored content?
Interesting, but I wonder why you didn’t report on the February jobs report. Hmmm…
When you run your own blog, it is easy to cherry-pick the articles that fit your narrative. You and I have been on this blog long enough to acknowledge that little trait that Will has.
Just get a ‘billionaire’ from New York to float you a little dough for positive coverage. Blog business is good…..until the election is over.
You mean the 242K new jobs, or the DOW over 17,000?
I believe in unicorns.
Uncertainty in a Presidential Year? Why?
I dunno. Must depend on the area. 4 small businesses have opened up in the small town I live in over the past year. And, the small business owned by my husband & myself has never been better.
My business has been very good too. It feels like a boom to me, like back in 06′.
Is it just me, or does that look like Debbie Gibson in that photo?