Current:Home > FinanceNew surveys show signs of optimism among small business owners-InfoLens
New surveys show signs of optimism among small business owners
View Date:2024-12-23 10:15:47
NEW YORK (AP) — Small business owners overall are feeling positive about their business and achieving the goals they set for this year despite inflation and high labor costs, according to two new surveys.
“At the mid-point of 2024, we asked small businesses to look back on the goals they set for the year, and we found that they’re satisfied with their progress and successes over the first half,” said Gina Taylor Cotter, executive vice president and general manager of American Express’ small business products.
The American Express survey of more than 1,100 small business financial decision makers found that 83% of owners said that the past few years have required them to think more creatively than ever before, and 87% said that each year they feel more confident in their skills as business owners.
The National Federation of Independent Business, meanwhile, said its Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.2 points in July to 93.7, the highest reading since February 2022. Still, it is the 31st consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. Inflation remains the top issue among small business owners, with 25% reporting it as the single most important problem in operating their business.
“Despite this increase in optimism, the road ahead remains tough for the nation’s small business owners,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Cost pressures, especially labor costs, continue to plague small business operations, impacting their bottom line.”
veryGood! (8339)
Related
- She was found dead while hitchhiking in 1974. An arrest has finally been made.
- ‘Cheaters don’t like getting caught': VP Harris speaks about Trump conviction on Jimmy Kimmel
- Phoenix using ice immersion to treat heat stroke victims as Southwest bakes in triple digits
- 83-year-old Alabama man mauled to death by neighbor's dogs, reports say
- Bluesky has added 1 million users since the US election as people seek alternatives to X
- Connecticut’s top public defender fired for misconduct alleged by oversight commission
- Shania Twain makes herself laugh with onstage mixup: 'Really glad somebody captured this'
- Survey finds fifth of Germans would prefer more White players on their national soccer team
- Amtrak service disrupted after fire near tracks in New York City
- Rodeo star Spencer Wright's 3-year-old son Levi dies after driving toy tractor into river
Ranking
- How Saturday Night Live Reacted to Donald Trump’s Win Over Kamala Harris
- 10 Cent Beer Night: 50 years ago, Cleveland's ill-fated MLB promotion ended in a riot
- Andy Cohen Addresses RHONJ Cast Reboot Rumors Amid Canceled Season 14 Reunion
- Body of diver found in Lake Erie ID'd as director of local shipwreck team
- NFL Week 10 injury report: Live updates on active, inactive players for Sunday's games
- Lady Gaga's Clap Back to Pregnancy Rumors Deserves an Applause
- AT&T resolves service issue reported across US
- Stolen classic car restored by Make-A-Wish Foundation is recovered in Michigan
Recommendation
-
See Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's Winning NFL Outing With Kids Zuma and Apollo
-
New York considers regulating what children see in social media feeds
-
Anchorage police involved in 2 shootings that leave one dead and another injured
-
Levi Wright, 3-year-old son of rodeo star Spencer Wright, taken off life support 2 weeks after toy tractor accident
-
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, 4G
-
Man sentenced to life without parole in ambush shooting of Baltimore police officer
-
Mom of slain US airman calls for fired Florida deputy who shot her son to be charged
-
Company linked to 4,000 rescued beagles forced to pay $35M in fines