In the first quarter of 2019, middle market companies reported a rise in revenue and employment growth, but their expectations for future growth have dipped. That's according to the latest data from The National Center for the Middle Market, which covers the first three months of 2019.

At 8.7 percent, the average rate of year-over-year revenue growth is the second highest ever recorded by the MMI. However, the anticipated rate of future revenue growth has regressed to 5.4 percent from 5.9 percent three months ago.

Middle market companies reported an employment growth rate of 5.6 percent, however, the anticipated rate of employment growth over the next year has declined for the third straight quarter to 3.4 percent.

Despite challenges for some companies, the majority of middle market businesses are enjoying strong and healthy growth. This is particularly true in the services, healthcare, and wholesale trade industries, where both year-over-year revenue growth and employment growth rates are up compared to the last quarter. For more performance data from the middle market, download the 1Q 2019 Middle Market Indicator.

In addition to national data, data is available at the state and industry level. See data for the following states: California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, and Texas, and data for the following industries: Construction, Financial Services, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business Services, Retail Trade, and Wholesale Trade.