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News Stories (242 Results) - Economic Commentary

The national Citizens Business Conditions Index (CBCI) rose to 52.2 in the second quarter, pushing into expansionary territory after taking a step back at the beginning of the year. The reading above 50 indicates that economic momentum is building... Read Story
July 30, 2024, 07:25 AM


The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index reached the highest reading of the year in June at 91.5, a one-point increase from last month. The last time the index was higher was in December of 2023 when it reached 91.9. Even so, this marks the 30th month... Read Story
July 12, 2024, 07:00 AM


Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc., released the findings of its annual Business Barometer, an in-depth study into the mood, mindset and strategic priorities of small and middle market businesses across the U.S. For the first... Read Story
June 14, 2024, 07:20 AM


Nearly three quarters of Americans (72%) lack the financial confidence needed to manage a large influx of money on their own, according to a new survey by Citizens. As Baby Boomers, the most financially prosperous generation in history, are set to... Read Story
May 17, 2024, 07:18 AM


Often the first to feel the effects of inflation and economic volatility, small business owners are optimistic about their businesses, even as economic challenges remain. KeyBank's 2024 Small Business Survey found that 65 percent of small business... Read Story
May 03, 2024, 07:18 AM


The national Citizens Business Conditions Index (CBCI) fell to 48.2 to start the year as business activity normalized from elevated levels in recent quarters. The reading below 50 indicates that economic momentum slowed during the first quarter... Read Story
May 01, 2024, 07:23 AM


U.S. corporate finance leaders have increased focus on cutting costs to prepare their firms for potential economic and geopolitical uncertainty, according to the fourth annual U.S. Bank CFO Insights Report.The survey of more than 2,000 senior finance... Read Story
April 25, 2024, 07:17 AM


The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index decreased by 0.9 of a point in March to 88.5, the lowest level since December 2012. This is the 27th consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. The net percent of owners raising average selling prices... Read Story
April 17, 2024, 07:15 AM


A new survey from Grant Thornton LLP revealed chief financial officers (CFOs) are more optimistic about the U.S. economy than they’ve been in nearly three years.  Grant Thornton’s Q1 2024 CFO survey, which polled 273 senior finance leaders, reported... Read Story
April 16, 2024, 06:00 AM


PNC's latest semi-annual survey of small and mid-sized businesses, which concluded Feb. 1, shows that business owner optimism about economic conditions over the next six months has reached a 22-year high amid lessening fears of a recession.A majority... Read Story
March 04, 2024, 07:00 AM


NFIB’s Research Center released the third credit-focused survey in a series first started in April 2023 assessing small business owners’ banking and financing activities. In addition, this survey assesses this year’s holiday sales and small business... Read Story
December 29, 2023, 07:20 AM


NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index decreased 0.1 point in November to 90.6, which marks the 23rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. Twenty-two percent of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem in... Read Story
December 14, 2023, 07:00 AM


Business executives don’t have a strong sense of where the economy is headed, and their mixed-bag outlook reflects that, according to the fourth-quarter AICPA & CIMA Economic Outlook Survey. The survey polls chief executive officers, chief financial... Read Story
December 08, 2023, 07:22 AM


NFIB is celebrating 50 years of the Small Business Economic Trends survey, but small business owners are not feeling optimistic in the current economic environment. The Optimism Index decreased 0.1 points in October to 90.7, marking the 22nd month... Read Story
November 20, 2023, 07:05 AM


A credit crunch has descended upon small business owners nationwide hindering their growth and causing some to say that if it continues, they’ll be forced to close. A new nationwide survey from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices shows 78... Read Story
October 26, 2023, 07:00 AM


With concerns about inflation and a potential recession ticking down, business executives have grown guardedly less pessimistic about the U.S. economy's prospects, according to the third-quarter AICPA & CIMA Economic Outlook Survey. The survey polls... Read Story
September 01, 2023, 07:22 AM


The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased 0.9 of a point in July to 91.9, marking the 19th consecutive month below the 49-year average of 98. Twenty-one percent of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem in... Read Story
August 10, 2023, 07:10 AM


NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index increased 1.6 points in June to 91.0, however, it is the 18th consecutive month below the 49-year average of 98. Inflation and labor quality are tied as the top small business concerns with 24 percent of owners... Read Story
July 24, 2023, 07:00 AM


Middle market private companies in the Golub Capital Altman Index experienced year-over-year earnings growth of 5 percent and revenue growth of 4 percent during the first two months of the second quarter of 2023.Lawrence E. Golub, CEO of Golub... Read Story
July 14, 2023, 07:18 AM


Nearly three quarters of North American sectors maintain a deteriorating outlook for 2023, reflecting Fitch Ratings’ expectation for weaker core credit drivers relative to 2022. Inflation, rising rates and tightening lending conditions remain key... Read Story
July 03, 2023, 07:12 AM


New orders of manufacturing technology totaled $336.7 million in April 2023, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. April orders declined 38.7 percent from... Read Story
June 21, 2023, 07:11 AM


The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased 0.4 points in May to 89.4, which is the 17th consecutive month below the 49-year average of 98. The last time the Index was at or above the average was in December 2021. Small business owners expecting... Read Story
June 21, 2023, 07:00 AM


According to NFIB’s monthly jobs report, 44 percent (seasonally adjusted) of all owners reported job openings they could not fill in the current period, down one point from April but still 20 points higher than the 49-year average reading. The... Read Story
June 08, 2023, 07:05 AM


The RSM US Middle Market Business Index (MMBI), presented by RSM US LLP (RSM) in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, eased to 131.3 in the second quarter, down modestly from 134.0 in the first quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis. This... Read Story
June 07, 2023, 07:22 AM


NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index decreased by 1.1 points in April to 89.0. This marks the 16th consecutive month below the survey’s 49-year history of 98. Labor quality was the top business problem at 24 percent, with inflation in second place by... Read Story
May 12, 2023, 07:00 AM


NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index decreased 0.8 points in March to 90.1, marking the 15th consecutive month below the 49-year average of 98. Twenty-four percent of owners reported inflation as their single most important business problem, down... Read Story
April 12, 2023, 07:07 AM


ACT Research continues to expect a mild recession to materialize, if not as soon as previously envisioned. Broad-based momentum coming out of Q1 increasingly suggests a recession is more likely to materialize in the second half of 2023. Helping to... Read Story
April 12, 2023, 07:00 AM


For the fifth consecutive month, International Data Corporation (IDC) has lowered its 2023 forecast for worldwide IT spending as technology investments continue to show the impact of a weakening economy. In its new monthly forecast for worldwide IT... Read Story
April 06, 2023, 07:18 AM


The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased 0.6 points in February to 90.9 but remains below the 49-year average of 98. Twenty-eight percent of owners reported inflation as their single most important business problem, up two points from last... Read Story
March 24, 2023, 07:09 AM


Chief Financial Officers expect better economic conditions a year ahead, but plan for a mild recession, according to the Deloitte CFO Signals Survey 1Q 2023.Key Takeaways The proportion of CFOs expressing optimism for their companies’ financial... Read Story
March 16, 2023, 07:18 AM


U.S. business executives still have grave concerns about the economy but have grown more optimistic about revenue and profit expectations and other key indicators for the coming year, according to the first-quarter AICPA & CIMA Economic Outlook... Read Story
March 10, 2023, 07:17 AM


The Canadian Finance and Leasing Association (CFLA) released the results of its 2023 Q1 and Q2 Industry Business Confidence Survey. Individual sentiment on most responses improved from the previous 2022 Q3 and Q4 survey, though sentiment is still... Read Story
March 09, 2023, 07:05 AM


Based on the results of PNC's latest semi-annual survey of small and mid-sized businesses, which concluded Feb. 6, it appears that resilient business owners are defying predictions of an economic downturn later this year. In fact, business owner... Read Story
February 28, 2023, 07:13 AM


According to NFIB’s monthly jobs report, 57 percent of owners reported hiring or trying to hire in January, up two points. Of those hiring or trying to hire, 91 percent of owners reported few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were... Read Story
February 15, 2023, 07:00 AM


Citizens announced the national Citizens Business Conditions Index (CBCI) dropped to 48.5 in the fourth quarter, ending a streak of eight consecutive quarters in growth mode above 50 and reflecting cooling sentiment as rate hikes from the Federal... Read Story
January 25, 2023, 07:15 AM


The fourth quarter Phoenix Management “Lending Climate in America” survey results reveal that inflation continues to plague the economy and is expected to do so well into 2023..Phoenix’s Q4 2022 “Lending Climate in America” survey asked lenders how... Read Story
January 23, 2023, 07:05 AM


ACT Research latest release of the North American Commercial Vehicle OUTLOOK reported moderating core personal consumption expenditures (PCE), slowing jobs growth, and decelerating wage inflation indicate the Fed’s campaign to bring inflation under... Read Story
January 11, 2023, 07:00 AM


Each quarter, CFO Signals tracks the thinking and actions of leading CFOs representing North America's largest and most influential companies. Since 2010, the survey has provided key insights into the business environment, company priorities and... Read Story
December 29, 2022, 07:22 AM


Inflation remains the top business problem for small business owners, with 32 percent of owners reporting it as their single most important problem in operating their business, five points lower than July’s highest reading since the fourth quarter of... Read Story
December 28, 2022, 07:07 AM


The RSM US Middle Market Business Index (MMBI), presented by RSM US LLP (RSM) in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, eased to 124.2 in the fourth quarter, down 12.5 points from the previous quarter. While the index remains at a level that... Read Story
December 12, 2022, 07:15 AM


Some 51 percent of business executives say the U.S. economy is either already in recession or will be by the new year, according to the fourth-quarter AICPA & CIMA Economic Outlook Survey. The survey polls chief executive officers, chief financial... Read Story
December 02, 2022, 07:21 AM


NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index declined 0.8 points in October to 91.3, which is the 10th consecutive month below the 49-year average of 98. Thirty-three percent of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem in... Read Story
November 10, 2022, 07:10 AM


In the latest Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey, CEOs share more modest growth expectations over the next 12 months, fine-tuning strategies around talent, workplace and technology models to adapt to new conditions.Key Takeaways CEOs share more modest... Read Story
October 31, 2022, 07:18 AM


The third quarter Phoenix Management “Lending Climate in America” survey results reveal the impact inflation is having on global economic conditions and consumer spending.Phoenix’s Q3 2022 “Lending Climate in America” survey asked lenders to identify... Read Story
October 28, 2022, 07:15 AM


Worldwide IT and business services revenue is expected to grow (in constant currency) 5.7 percent this year and 5.2 percent in 2023, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Semiannual Services Tracker. In nominal dollar... Read Story
October 25, 2022, 07:13 AM


Provident Bank released the results of its 2022 National Labor/Staffing Shortage Survey. The survey includes insights from 1,000 hiring managers and department heads, small business owners, recruitment and talent acquisition specialists, and... Read Story
October 24, 2022, 07:10 AM


NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.3 points in September to 92.1, making the ninth consecutive month below the 48-year average of 98. Thirty percent of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem in operating their... Read Story
October 17, 2022, 07:15 AM


According to ACT Research’s latest release of the North American Commercial Vehicle OUTLOOK, forecasts this month are slightly lower than September due to stubborn inflation and the Fed’s continued firm action toward bringing it down to their 2... Read Story
October 14, 2022, 07:00 AM


Middle market private companies in the Golub Capital Altman Index experienced year-over-year revenue growth of 12% and earnings decline of 2% during the first two months of the third quarter of 2022. This compares to year-over-year revenue growth of... Read Story
October 13, 2022, 07:03 AM


A majority of business decision-makers of U.S. small to midsize companies expect their sales to stay the same or grow in the fourth quarter of this year, according to a Morning Consult survey sponsored by Balboa Capital, a division of Ameris... Read Story
October 04, 2022, 07:20 AM


In the release of its Commercial Vehicle Dealer Digest, ACT Research reported essentially unchanged forecasts from last month—demand remains healthy, production remains constrained, and freight rates and volumes managed to squeak out small... Read Story
September 30, 2022, 07:03 AM


A new International Data Corporation (IDC) survey of senior business executives from around the world found that 59 percent believe there will be a recession in the coming year. Moreover, nearly 30 percent of those who believe a recession will occur... Read Story
September 26, 2022, 07:18 AM


A new survey from Grant Thornton LLP, one of America’s largest audit, tax and advisory firms, reveals a sharp and continual decline in optimism for chief financial officers (CFOs) across the country. Many of the same factors contributing to pessimism... Read Story
September 22, 2022, 07:03 AM


The Bank of America Institute released a new publication which finds continued resilience in small businesses. New Bank of America small business data shows that, despite economic headwinds, small businesses continue to strengthen in a variety of... Read Story
September 19, 2022, 07:07 AM


The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.9 points in August to 91.8, marking the eighth consecutive month below the 48-year average of 98 but reversing some of the declines in the first half of the year. Twenty-nine percent of owners reported... Read Story
September 14, 2022, 07:10 AM


According to ACT Research’s latest release of the North American Commercial Vehicle OUTLOOK, forecasts this month are essentially unchanged from last month. Demand remains healthy, production remains constrained by supply-chain disruptions and tight... Read Story
September 14, 2022, 07:00 AM


The RSM US Middle Market Business Index (MMBI), presented by RSM US LLP (RSM) in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, increased to 138.5 in the third quarter, up 7.3 points from the previous quarter. The statistically significant increase... Read Story
September 12, 2022, 07:15 AM


U.S. business executives again lowered expectations for profit and revenue growth over the next 12 months, as optimism in the U.S. economy remains tamped down by inflation worries and repercussions from both the Russo-Ukraine war and an economic... Read Story
September 01, 2022, 07:17 AM


The Credit Managers’ Index from the National Association of Credit Management combined score remained unchanged at 55.0 in August, but reveals economic stress in the manufacturing sector. NACM's Credit Managers' Index (CMI) remained at a combined... Read Story
September 01, 2022, 07:05 AM


According to ACT Research’s (ACT) latest State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 Report, surging inflation, the Fed hiking interest rates into a potential recession, and supply-chain disruptions remain overarching themes.According to Kenny Vieth, ACT... Read Story
August 22, 2022, 07:00 AM


NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.4 points in July to 89.9, however, it is the sixth consecutive month below the 48-year average of 98. Thirty-seven percent of small business owners reported that inflation was their single most important... Read Story
August 10, 2022, 07:10 AM


Small businesses across the country continue to raise wages to keep employees and fill a historically high level of open positions, according to NFIB’s monthly jobs report. Seasonally adjusted, 49 percent of all owners reported job openings they... Read Story
August 08, 2022, 07:00 AM


As the U.S. economy faces decades-high inflation, soaring interest rates and continued supply chain and labor shortages, midsize business leaders across the country are increasingly cautious in their economic outlooks, according to JPMorgan Chase’s... Read Story
June 28, 2022, 06:45 AM


The RSM US Middle Market Business Index (MMBI), presented by RSM US LLP in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, increased to 130.6 in the second quarter of this year from 126.3 in the previous quarter. Business conditions in the middle... Read Story
June 07, 2022, 07:20 AM


Middle market private companies in the Golub Capital Altman Index experienced year-over-year earnings growth of 9% and revenue growth of 18% during the first two months of the first quarter of 2022. This report marks a return to the typical year-over... Read Story
April 15, 2022, 07:10 AM


As much of the country reopens nearly a year and a half since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., midsize business leaders’ optimism about their industries and companies hit record highs, according to JPMorgan Chase’s 2021 Business... Read Story
July 20, 2021, 06:17 AM


Wells Fargo Investment Institute (WFII) released its “2021 Midyear Outlook: Fuel for Growth,” calling for an intensified 2021-2022 U.S. economic recovery thanks to COVID-19 vaccines, expectations for accelerated spending of last year’s accumulated... Read Story
June 16, 2021, 06:25 AM


The COVID-19 pandemic has halted two decades of global growth and raised several questions about how economies will function in the future, explains Brendan Gleeson, Group CEO, White Clarke Group.Experts are assessing whether the international... Read Story
April 09, 2020, 07:15 AM


The optimism that spawned a long period of economic expansion in the middle market seems to have become more uncertain as revenue and employment growth rates reported a slowdown since last quarter with confidence also sliding downward, most notably... Read Story
January 25, 2019, 07:20 AM


The performance of structured finance transactions around the globe will largely remain strong on the back of continued, but slowing, growth across the regional economies; however, late-cycle trends such as weakening in the underwriting of both... Read Story
December 28, 2018, 07:30 AM


Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of business brokers and advisors surveyed predict the volume of small businesses sold (under $50MM) will increase in the next 12 months according to the Q4 2017 Market Pulse Report published by the International... Read Story
February 26, 2018, 07:14 AM


The Small Business Optimism Index jumped two points to 106.9 in January and set a record with the number of small business owners saying Now Is a Good Time to Expand, according to NFIB’s Small Business Economic Trends Survey.“Main Street is roaring,”... Read Story
February 14, 2018, 07:10 AM


Balboa Capital announced the results of its latest survey that was conducted to gauge small business owners’ familiarity with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R.1) that was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The survey results show that half of small... Read Story
January 30, 2018, 07:10 AM


Deloitte's CFO Signals™ survey for the fourth quarter (Q4 2017) of chief financial officers representing many of North America's largest and most influential companies finds a surge in optimism among CFOs about the current and future states of major... Read Story
January 19, 2018, 07:30 AM


A new study conducted by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation and PayNet, Inc., “The State of Credit Quality: Where We Have Been and Where Are We Going,” shows industry credit quality and performance remain strong and better than pre-recession... Read Story
October 23, 2017, 07:12 AM


From the third quarter Phoenix Management “Lending Climate in America” Survey, results shows a marked shift in lenders outlook on the U.S. economy in both the near and long term.The Q3 2017 survey results reversed the recent trend of expectations for... Read Story
October 17, 2017, 07:14 AM


Though concerned about the domestic political situation, U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are bullish about the current state of the U.S. economy and the outlook for business over the next 12 months, according to the latest Global... Read Story
September 25, 2017, 07:15 AM


According to the National Association of Credit Management, the Credit Managers' Index combined score for August came in at a slightly higher reading than last month, at 55.1. “There has been some discernible improvement in the overall economy, but... Read Story
September 05, 2017, 07:10 AM


Nearly four out of 10 middle market executives say a lack of talent constrains their companies’ ability to grow, according to “Help Wanted,” a report released today by the National Center for the Middle Market (NCMM), in conjunction with the... Read Story
August 31, 2017, 07:08 AM


PayNet reports that the PayNet Canadian Small Business Lending Index (CSBLI) increased 1% to 123.8 in June 2017 from 122 in May, the third month in a row of year-over-year increases. Compared to May 2016 the CSBLI is up 5%.“Investment growth for... Read Story
August 16, 2017, 07:01 AM


Balboa Capital announced the results of their Q2 Small Business Confidence Survey. The survey, which was sent to more than 300,000 small business owners nationwide, was conducted to assess small business owners’ confidence in the US economy, as well... Read Story
August 03, 2017, 06:24 AM


ACG New York, the largest association of middle-market deal -making professionals in New York, announced the results of its Mid-Year Middle-Market Survey. According to the results, 52 percent of those polled believe that the Trump administration... Read Story
July 26, 2017, 07:15 AM


The amount of cash held by U.S. non-financial companies totaled $1.84 trillion at the end of 2016, up 9.2% from $1.68 trillion at the end of 2015, Moody's Investors Service says in a new report. The top-five cash hoarders all come from the technology... Read Story
July 25, 2017, 07:14 AM


As the diversified industrial and capital goods sectors begin to recover, there are a number of risks to credit improvement, according to Fitch Ratings. These include mergers and acquisitions, activist investors, shareholder-friendly actions, and the... Read Story
July 14, 2017, 07:10 AM


Middle-market companies reported year-over-year revenue growth of 6.3 percent in the first quarter of 2016. Revenue growth registers ahead of the previous quarter's numbers, but is down from the 7.4 percent growth observed one year ago, according to... Read Story
April 28, 2016, 07:10 AM


Higher revenues, greater confidence in the economy, and forward-thinking investment plans highlight results of nationwide small business owner survey conducted by leading independent financing company. An overwhelming majority of small business... Read Story
April 14, 2016, 07:03 AM


A survey conducted by Balboa Capital reveals that small business owners had an encouraging third quarter and are feeling more optimistic about the US economy. The survey was sent to a sample of small business owners nationwide in October 2015, the... Read Story
December 09, 2015, 07:03 AM


From the third quarter Phoenix Management “Lending Climate in America” Survey, results show lower expectations for domestic economic performance in both the short and long term.Lenders indicated deteriorating confidence in how they expect the U.S.... Read Story
October 26, 2015, 07:07 AM


A large majority (72%) of small business owners are prioritizing growth according to the inaugural American Express OPEN Small Business Growth Pulse, a survey of 1,000 small businesses with $250,000 or more in annual revenues. Roughly two-thirds of... Read Story
September 30, 2015, 07:05 AM


U.S. businesses' outlook on sales in the coming months has darkened after sales growth slowed in the second quarter, according to a survey released today by the National Association for Business Economics as reported by the Associated Press. More... Read Story
July 20, 2015, 07:03 AM


Sageworks released data suggesting that large privately held companies are more profitable and are growing revenues faster than publicly traded companies in the United States.The analysis covered five years of financial statements, comparing the... Read Story
May 26, 2015, 07:05 AM


Business executives are taking a more tempered view when it comes to expectations for profit, revenue and expansion in the coming year, according to the first quarter AICPA Economic Outlook Survey, which polls chief executive officers, chief... Read Story
March 09, 2015, 07:15 AM


Small business owners report they are the most optimistic in seven years, according to the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index (PDF*), with stronger revenues, improved cash flow and increased hiring contributing to the improvement.In the... Read Story
February 09, 2015, 07:10 AM


A report issued by BMO Harris Bank found that the majority of business owners and executives plan on making investments in their business in 2015. A nation-wide poll of 781 business owners and executives found that 58% plan on making at least one... Read Story
February 05, 2015, 07:06 AM


Economic optimism, corporate hiring, profit margin projections and reinvestment plans are the highest in years, according to the 2015 CFO Outlook report from Bank of America Merrill Lynch.A majority of CFOs who responded to the annual survey say the... Read Story
February 05, 2015, 07:01 AM


Privately held U.S. companies are entering 2015 with strong profitability and healthy sales growth, according to Sageworks, a financial information company. Looking at statements collected by Sageworks over the past twelve months, private companies... Read Story
January 05, 2015, 07:05 AM


Mid-market executives’ confidence in the US economy soars in Deloitte’s Fall 2014 Mid-Market Perspectives report, as 45 percent of executives say they expect the economy to improve in the next 24 months—compared with just 10 percent in Spring 2014.... Read Story
December 08, 2014, 07:02 AM


National Funding, one of the country’s largest private lenders of small business loans, released the findings of a new survey on the holiday season outlook among small business owners, which found that over a quarter of small business owners are... Read Story
November 17, 2014, 06:50 AM


The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index crept back to its August level of 96.1 with a gain of 0.8 points led by a modest increase in the net percent of owners who plan to increase capital spending and more who expect higher sales in the next 3 months.... Read Story
November 12, 2014, 07:02 AM


The Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) from the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) returned to a respectable status, jumping more than two points from 54.9 to 57.0. The readings are back to highs seen at the start of the year. The index of... Read Story
October 31, 2014, 06:00 AM


Small business loan approval rates at big banks reached a post-recession high for the sixth consecutive month, according to the September 2014 Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index, a monthly analysis of 1,000 loan applications on Biz2Credit.com.... Read Story
October 09, 2014, 06:12 AM


Most executives (87.8 percent) expect the U.S. economy to grow in 2015, according to a recent Deloitte poll. Increased corporate capital investments are expected to have the biggest positive impact on the U.S. economy in 2015 (24 percent) and M&A... Read Story
October 03, 2014, 06:50 AM


The September report of the Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) from the National Association of Credit Management fell to 54.9 from 56.7. While still firmly in the growth category, this is the lowest reading in nearly two years. Not even the Polar Vortex... Read Story
October 01, 2014, 06:37 AM


Private companies in the United States moved into their third straight quarter of strong performance, according to financial information company Sageworks.  Looking at statements filed over the past year, these companies on average grew sales at a... Read Story
September 30, 2014, 07:15 AM


Reuters reported that the the U.S. economy grew at its fastest pace in 2-1/2 years in the second quarter with all sectors contributing to the jump. According to the Reuters report, the Commerce Department on Friday raised its estimate of growth in... Read Story
September 29, 2014, 07:00 AM


According to the Canadian Business Lending Index (CBLI) released by PayNet Inc. Canada, Canadian businesses are showing a pause in the low risk expansion phase of their business activities as they slow down investment and control financial... Read Story
September 10, 2014, 06:05 AM


The July release of the Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Lending Index (SBLI), which is a leading economic indicator of GDP, grew 10% over July 2013. The SBLI increased 7% from 120.0 in June 2014 to 128.5 in July 2014 and now stands close to the... Read Story
September 03, 2014, 06:38 AM


Consistency is generally a positive development when the overall readings have been positive and this is the case for the August report of the Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) from the National Association of Credit Management, which posted no change... Read Story
September 02, 2014, 06:00 AM


The NABE August 2014 Economic Policy Survey summarizes the responses of 257 members of the National Association for Business Economics. Conducted semiannually, this survey was taken between July 22 and August 4, 2014. “Respondents to the latest NABE... Read Story
August 26, 2014, 06:08 AM


In an analysis of financial-statement information from 2010 to 2014, Sageworks found that large, privately held companies in the United States are outpacing their publicly traded counterparts in two key performance metrics. Private companies with... Read Story
August 22, 2014, 06:57 AM


July’s Optimism Index technically rose 0.7 points to a reading of 95.7. There was little change in the 10 Index components other than outlook for expansion and business conditions which accounted for the small gain in the Index. Even though these... Read Story
August 15, 2014, 06:17 AM


Executives at middle-market companies across the United States are ready to pull the trigger on transactions aimed at growing their businesses and creating jobs, according to new research commissioned by CohnReznick LLP, a top ten accounting, tax... Read Story
August 14, 2014, 06:43 AM


The Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) from the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) improved to 56.8 from 56.1 in July. The readings for the favorable and unfavorable factor indices improved, from 62.4 to 63.7 for the favorable factor index... Read Story
August 01, 2014, 06:48 AM


Business leaders representing the nation’s nearly 200,000 mid-sized firms are bullish about the U.S. economy, fueled by consistently strong revenue growth. In fact, middle market companies grew revenue over the past 12 months at 6.6 percent, nearly... Read Story
July 24, 2014, 07:00 AM


The Small business economy displayed steady and faster growth in business investment last month based on the latest release of small business trends. In a sign of consistency, the Small Business Lending Index rose again in May over April and over the... Read Story
July 01, 2014, 06:56 AM


This month’s Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) reading from the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) was 56.1—barely higher than it was in April, but falling well below May’s 56.8. The readings had been closing in on 60 (57.1 in November and... Read Story
July 01, 2014, 06:55 AM


Optimism for the nation’s economic outlook among U.S. business leaders continued to rise from first quarter 2014, according to the latest data from the Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR), a survey of more than 3,300 business leaders... Read Story
June 27, 2014, 06:04 AM


According to the latest quarterly analysis of private-company financial statements by Sageworks, U.S. businesses are growing sales and expanding profit margins at a healthy and consistent pace over the last year. Strength in construction has... Read Story
June 26, 2014, 06:45 AM


For the first time since 2006, more CFOs believe the state of the U.S. economy will improve (51 percent) rather than remain the same or worsen (49 percent) during the next six months, according to the Grant Thornton LLP 2014 Spring CFO Survey. This... Read Story
June 19, 2014, 05:57 AM


The NFIB Optimism Index rose 1.4 points in May to 96.6, the highest reading since September 2007.  However, while May is the third up month in a row, the Index is still far below readings that have normally accompanied an expansion and there have... Read Story
June 11, 2014, 06:45 AM


Manufacturing production continues to outpace overall economic growth and will be led more by investment than by consumer-driven advances over the next 18 months, according to a new report.The Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation... Read Story
June 10, 2014, 06:45 AM


For the first time since the recession, most business executives are optimistic about prospects for the U.S. economy in the coming year, according to the second quarter AICPA Economic Outlook Survey, which polls chief executive officers, chief... Read Story
June 06, 2014, 06:30 AM


The latest data release of the Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Lending Index (SBLI), which has proven to be a leading indicator of GDP between 2-5 months, shows small business investment gathering steam. The SBLI registered 126.5 in April 2014... Read Story
June 03, 2014, 06:36 AM


The Credit Managers' Index (CMI), issued by the National Association of Credit Management (NACM), improved from 56 to 56.8 in May. This marks the second consecutive month of improvement for the index, further signaling the end of the first quarter's... Read Story
June 02, 2014, 06:45 AM


Mid-market executives are accelerating strategic business investments and displaying increased optimism despite a harsh winter that took a toll on growth for U.S. businesses, according to the findings of Deloitte's Mid-market perspectives: 2014... Read Story
May 16, 2014, 06:40 AM


The fastest-growing industries in the U.S. over the past 12 months have been dominated by fields tied to construction, according to Sageworks. Twelve of the top 20 fastest-growing industries of the last 12 months are linked to construction, according... Read Story
May 12, 2014, 07:00 AM


Public policy uncertainty can cause economic distress, make businesses pull back on investment, and have adverse effects on job creation, according to a new report from the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI).In... Read Story
May 09, 2014, 06:52 AM


A new survey from TD Bank reveals a surge in both economic optimism and capital spending plans among middle market and large corporate finance executives. According to TD Bank's fourth Annual CFO Survey, nearly 60% of respondents are optimistic about... Read Story
May 08, 2014, 06:52 AM


Optimism for the nation’s economic outlook among U.S. business leaders reached its highest level since 2004, according to the latest data from the Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR), a survey of more than 3,300 business leaders in 45... Read Story
April 28, 2014, 06:39 AM


BMO Economics released a special report, North America's Economic Engine, on the economic output from the Great Lakes region. The reports notes that the region is a major driver of North American economic output, employment and trade, accounting for... Read Story
April 28, 2014, 06:04 AM


Despite some concerns with current business conditions, near-term prospects for the manufacturing sector look bright, according to the quarterly Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) MAPI Business Outlook.  The survey’s... Read Story
April 18, 2014, 07:12 AM


The first quarter of 2014 ended on an upbeat note in the small business economy as March lending activity posted 21 percent growth according to the Small Business Lending Index released by Direct Capital, a leading national small business lender. In... Read Story
April 10, 2014, 06:30 AM


BMO Harris Bank released a study that found that the majority of business owners/executives plan on investing in their business in 2014, with upgrading/purchasing new equipment being their primary planned expenditure. "The U.S. economic recovery is... Read Story
March 14, 2014, 07:02 AM


Unusually harsh winter weather didn't slow small business growth in February as demand for lending and financing increased 9.7 percent over January, according to the Small Business Lending Index released by Direct Capital, a leading national small... Read Story
March 12, 2014, 06:55 AM


The Credit Managers' Index (CMI), published by the National Association of Credit Management (NACM), seems to having a hard time leaving 2013 behind. The February reading fell to 55.6, sending the CMI back to where it was in December, when the index... Read Story
March 03, 2014, 07:00 AM


Middle-market business leaders are taking cautious steps toward growth, according to results of KeyBank's monthly Middle Market Business Sentiment Survey.Despite continuing concern about the economy's strength, there are more plans to add staff, and... Read Story
February 21, 2014, 06:30 AM


Rather than taking a break after the busy holiday retail season, small businesses continued to expand through January 2014, according to the Small Business Lending Index released by Direct Capital. Direct Capital’s January 2014 index showed a 2.3%... Read Story
February 12, 2014, 07:06 AM


Small business owners are the most optimistic they have been in five years, according to the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index, and expect their businesses to increase cash flow and hire more employees in 2014. In a small business... Read Story
February 07, 2014, 07:02 AM


January’s reading for the Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) from the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) rebounded to 57.3, the highest point reached in over a year and even more robust than the 57.1 notched in November. This now begs the... Read Story
February 03, 2014, 06:39 AM


A new national survey conducted by Balboa Capital reveals that business owners and equipment dealers feel the US economy is improving, and are planning to hire more employees, increase marketing initiatives and invest in new equipment, among... Read Story
January 30, 2014, 06:47 AM


Strong December ’13 results cap off a year of steadily growing demand for financing. The small business economy finished 2013 on a high note and shows clear signs of making further gains in 2014, according to the Small Business Lending Index released... Read Story
January 23, 2014, 06:48 AM


Sageworks recently conducted a financial statement analysis of privately held companies to examine which U.S. industries have generated the highest returns on equity over the last 12 months.  Several industries tied to health care — dentists... Read Story
December 27, 2013, 07:06 AM


Reuters reports that according to a PayNet survey, commercial borrowing by small and medium-sized businesses in Canada jumped to a record high in the third quarter as companies invested more to meet demand for their goods and services.According to... Read Story
December 17, 2013, 07:00 AM


CFOs are more optimistic about U.S. economic growth than they were a year ago and expect their companies’ sales to increase in 2014, with growth coming from doing more business with current customers and winning new customers, according to the Bank... Read Story
December 13, 2013, 07:05 AM


Sixty percent of CFOs believe the state of the U.S. economy will remain the same or worsen during the next six months according to the Grant Thornton LLP 2013 Fall CFO Survey. The survey reflects the insights of more than 1,600 CFOs and other senior... Read Story
December 06, 2013, 07:00 AM


Despite ongoing challenges facing the retail sector and the economy, more than 70% of middle market housewares executives are forecasting stronger sales performance in 2014, according to a recent survey (cit.com/housewaresoutlook) by CIT Group Inc.... Read Story
December 06, 2013, 06:28 AM


Mid-market companies show their resiliency in the face of continued uncertainty, according to the findings of a Deloitte-sponsored survey of 503 executives at mid-sized companies in the United States during September – October 2013. The fall 2013 Mid... Read Story
November 26, 2013, 07:00 AM


The Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index remained mostly unchanged over the past several months, and is currently at a positive 24 (+24), compared with the third quarter Index score of positive 25 (+25). While it’s the second highest score in the... Read Story
November 26, 2013, 06:58 AM


Recent industry data from Sageworks, a financial information company, show that manufacturing sales growth is slowing.  Manufacturers are growing sales at an annual rate of 2.3 percent, based on an analysis of private-company financial statements... Read Story
November 18, 2013, 06:42 AM


A new national survey from TD Bank reveals that middle-market and corporate CFOs are more confident about both their organizations' ability to manage financial risk and the financial prospects for their companies, indicating the potential for... Read Story
November 07, 2013, 07:00 AM


According to the Q3 2013 Middle Market Indicator from the National Center for the Middle Market, U.S. middle market companies extended their string of solid revenue and employment gains during the third quarter of 2013 and anticipate those trends... Read Story
October 25, 2013, 07:02 AM


The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index (Index) moved down again in September, showing the second month of small declines. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.“Although the Index moved down slightly last month... Read Story
October 18, 2013, 06:30 AM


Small-business owner optimism did not “crash “ in September, but it did fall, dropping 0.20 from August’s (corrected) reading of 94.1 and landing at 93.9. The largest contributing factor to the dip was the significant increase in pessimism about... Read Story
October 10, 2013, 06:50 AM


Small business loan approvals at big banks ($10 billion+ in assets) dipped slightly to 17.5% in September from an Index high of 17.6% in August 2013, according to the Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index, a monthly analysis of 1,000 loan... Read Story
October 09, 2013, 07:02 AM


Middle market executives, whose companies take in more than $6 trillion in revenues and employ more than 30 million people annually, are expressing renewed optimism in their business prospects compared to a year ago. However, despite this positive... Read Story
October 09, 2013, 06:54 AM


The Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) for August returned to the growth patterns of earlier this summer. The numbers look impressive again, and the index sits at 56.4, up nearly a full point from July’s 55.5. The last few months were a little volatile... Read Story
September 03, 2013, 07:08 AM


A mid-year survey of senior executives from leading global manufacturers identified a number of major risk factors regarding their growth outlook for 2013 and beyond. In Global Growth in 2013—Outlook and Risk Factors, the Manufacturers Alliance for... Read Story
August 26, 2013, 06:59 AM


Small-business optimism sighed in July, with NFIB’s monthly Index increasing just over half-a-point (0.6) for a total reading of 94.1. This month’s report continues the historically weak trend of owner confidence. On the positive front, while the two... Read Story
August 14, 2013, 06:42 AM


Small business lending demand decreased 14% in July, according to Direct Capital. The dip in demand was predictable, as many business owners traditionally choose July for summer vacations. “July has always been the slowest month of the year in terms... Read Story
August 14, 2013, 06:41 AM


Balboa Capital announced the results of a comprehensive online survey of small businesses and equipment vendors nationwide. Among the key findings: American small business owners and equipment dealers are feeling more optimistic about the nation’s... Read Story
August 08, 2013, 06:49 AM


Small business loan approvals at big banks ($10 billion+ in assets) jumped to an all-time index high of 17.4% in July 2013 from 16.9% in June, according to the Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index, a monthly analysis of 1,000 loan applications on... Read Story
August 07, 2013, 07:01 AM


Successive quarters of strong performance by the nation's nearly 200,000 middle market companies is fueling increased confidence in the national and global economies.  According to the latest Middle Market Indicator (MMI), a survey of 1,000 middle... Read Story
July 24, 2013, 07:08 AM


U.S. financial officers gave the economy its highest score in five years and were significantly more confident about economic growth in 2013 in the latest Bank of America Merrill Lynch CFO Outlook survey. Executives who participated in the 2013 CFO... Read Story
July 24, 2013, 07:02 AM


Optimism for the nation’s economic outlook among U.S. business leaders rose to a net balance of 55 percent in second quarter 2013 from 31 percent in the previous quarter. This is the highest level recorded since 2005, according to the latest data... Read Story
July 17, 2013, 07:00 AM


The results of the quarterly Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) Business Outlook point to a degree of renewed momentum in manufacturing activity over the next three to six months. The survey’s composite index is a leading... Read Story
July 12, 2013, 07:00 AM


Small business lending demand increased in the second quarter of 2013, according to Direct Capital, a leading provider of equipment leasing, business loans and working capital. The company’s Small Business Lending Index showed a 4% increase in... Read Story
July 08, 2013, 06:50 AM


According to the most recent quarterly Middle Market Business Sentiment Survey by KeyBank Commercial Bank, contrary to predictions for 2013, this is not the year that middle market companies will set new records for mergers and acquisitions. But that... Read Story
June 28, 2013, 07:05 AM


According to Deloitte’s Q2 CFO Signals™ survey, optimism regarding their companies’ prospects is at a level not seen for 15 months among Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). That optimism is translating into a bias toward investment over cash... Read Story
June 27, 2013, 07:10 AM


According to the Sageworks Private Company Report, private companies continue to grow at a healthy pace and to experience strong profit margins in the most recent period. Private companies were generating an average annual sales growth of about 10... Read Story
June 25, 2013, 07:16 AM


Private company business leaders predict that their companies’ performance will continue to outpace the broader U.S. economy in 2013, as they look to IT investments and new products to drive their future growth, according to a survey by KPMG LLP, the... Read Story
June 21, 2013, 06:57 AM


By several financial metrics, private companies appear to be well positioned to take on additional debt, according to recent data from Sageworks, a financial information company. But whether they are finding willing lenders or are even willing to... Read Story
June 20, 2013, 07:02 AM


The credit health of U.S. small businesses has improved thus far in 2013, according Direct Capital.Direct Capital’s internal data shows that the average credit score for small businesses rose over 2012 from January to May 2013. That matches a recent... Read Story
June 17, 2013, 06:32 AM


Small business lending demand remained strong in May and continued to far outpace the previous year, according to the Monthly Small Business Lending Index released by Direct Capital, a leading provider of equipment leasing, business loans and working... Read Story
June 12, 2013, 06:57 AM


Business executives’ optimism about the U.S. economy now stands at its highest point since early 2007, although lingering concerns continue to curtail hiring plans, according to the second quarter AICPA Economic Outlook Survey, which polls chief... Read Story
June 10, 2013, 06:58 AM


The Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) Quarterly Economic Forecast predicts that inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) will expand 1.8 percent in 2013 and 2.8 percent in 2014, showing no change from MAPI’s... Read Story
June 07, 2013, 07:06 AM


The Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) from the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) for May leapt over two percentage points, from 53.3 to 55.6, to reach a level not recorded since August 2012. The improvement becomes more convincing upon... Read Story
June 05, 2013, 06:52 AM


Investment by millions of small businesses jumped in April to get back to exactly where it began the year. The Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Lending Index (SBLI) increased 17% in April over the same month last year to 110.5 from the slightly... Read Story
June 03, 2013, 07:00 AM


Sageworks released their latest Private Company Report today, a monthly update on the health and state of privately held U.S. companies.     According to the report, private companies continue to grow at a healthy pace and to experience strong profit... Read Story
May 29, 2013, 06:54 AM


During the past year, chief financial officers (CFOs) have grown significantly more confident in the U.S. economy, according to the 2013 Spring CFO Survey from Grant Thornton LLP. The survey findings reveal that 45 percent of respondents believe the... Read Story
May 16, 2013, 07:05 AM


Sageworks recently analyzed the financial performance of privately held companies in the strengthening construction sector and found that several subsectors have generated double-digit sales growth in the 12 months ended March 2013.The Private... Read Story
May 15, 2013, 07:14 AM


According to the National Federation of Independent Business, after March's disappointing drop in small business confidence, April’s Index of Small Business Optimism rose 2.6 points to 92.1, just above the recovery average of 90.7. In April’s report... Read Story
May 15, 2013, 07:07 AM


The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released its latest Small Business Credit Survey, which provides data and insight into the credit experiences of more than 800 small businesses in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Results suggest the ability... Read Story
May 14, 2013, 06:57 AM


A new survey from TD Bank  found that despite the challenges facing them, more than half (60 percent) of small business owners feel their business is performing at expected levels so far in 2013.TD Bank's survey, which polled more than 600 small... Read Story
May 07, 2013, 07:05 AM


Acording to the latest Private Company Report by Sageworks, private companies in the United States saw annual sales growth of more than 10% in the period ended March 2013, slightly above the previous period and the growth seen one year ago. On... Read Story
May 03, 2013, 06:59 AM


According to PayNet,  the state of U.S. Small Business Manufacturing is growing again by doing what it does best - inventing new industries and business processes.  The PayNet Manufacturing Index, which measures the amount of investment by small... Read Story
May 01, 2013, 07:10 AM


After sustained economic turmoil, mid-market executives have a stronger footing and are taking the necessary steps to make the sector an engine for growth in the next year. However, while optimistic about their own growth, according to findings in... Read Story
April 30, 2013, 07:08 AM


American businesses are cautiously optimistic about their performance this year amid a growing uncertainty surrounding the U.S. economy, according to the 2013 Chase Business Leaders Outlook. More than half of the 3,500 small and mid-sized businesses... Read Story
April 25, 2013, 07:32 AM


Small business lending demand hit its highest level of 2013 in March, according to the Monthly Small Business Lending Index released by Direct Capital.The index showed that small business lending demand across the United States in March was up 4.5%... Read Story
April 15, 2013, 07:11 AM


On the heels of a pessimistic outlook during the fourth quarter of 2012, U.S. business leaders show signs of increased optimism in the performance of the nation’s economy according to the latest data from the Grant Thornton International Business... Read Story
April 10, 2013, 07:15 AM


The current economic climate continues to discourage private companies from investing, according to a new survey from Sageworks, a financial informational company which surveyed banking professionals who work closely with business owners and found... Read Story
April 10, 2013, 07:12 AM


After three months of sustained growth, the March NFIB Index of Small Business Optimism ended its slow climb, declining 1.3 points and landing at 89.5. In the 44 months of economic expansion since the beginning of the recovery in July 2009, the Index... Read Story
April 10, 2013, 07:00 AM


Canadian businesses remain confident about their business prospects for 2013, according to the latest BMO Small Business Confidence Report. While the unemployment rate rose to 7.2 per cent, employment is still up 1.2 per cent from year-ago levels.... Read Story
April 08, 2013, 07:10 AM


According to PwC US's Trendsetter Barometer survey, most private companies (84%) have taken substantial cost-containment measures over the past several years, with 89% of those companies seeing sustainable savings as a result of these measures.... Read Story
March 29, 2013, 07:15 AM


The NFIB Index of Small Business Optimism increased 1.9 points in February, to 90.8. While a nice improvement over the last several reports, the Index remains on par with the 2008 average and below the trough of the 1991-92 and 2001-02 recessions.... Read Story
March 14, 2013, 07:06 AM


Business executives are significantly less pessimistic about the U.S. economy and their own businesses’ prospects than they were at the end of 2012, according to the first quarter AICPA Economic Outlook Survey, which polls chief executive officers... Read Story
March 11, 2013, 07:00 AM


Sageworks reported private companies in the United States continued to grow sales and expand their net profit margins in the period ending in January 2013. Private-company credit risk also appears to be improving, with the average private company’s... Read Story
March 04, 2013, 07:12 AM


The NABE March 2013 Economic Policy Survey presents the consensus of a panel of 196 members of the National Association for Business Economics. Conducted semiannually, the latest survey was conducted between January 21, 2013, and February 13, 2013.... Read Story
March 04, 2013, 07:00 AM


The composite reading for the Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) this month is exactly the same as it was in December—54.9. This is just slightly better than it was in January when the reading fell to 54.6. For all intents and purposes, the readings... Read Story
February 28, 2013, 07:23 AM


Reuters reported commercial borrowing by small and medium-sized businesses in Canada achieved its highest level since 2008 in the last three months of 2012, with a much smaller percentage of the businesses reportedly behind on their payments... Read Story
February 28, 2013, 07:00 AM


According to a new survey released by TD Bank, nearly half of small businesses expect their financial health to improve in 2013 and are confident that sales will increase over 2012. The survey also found that nearly one-third of small business... Read Story
February 19, 2013, 07:08 AM


Small-business owner confidence continues to drag, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index. The Index gained 0.9 points, rising to 88.9, failing to regain the losses caused by last month’s... Read Story
February 13, 2013, 07:16 AM


Financial executives at U.S. companies continue to be concerned about the economy, with only two out of five executives expecting growth in 2013, according to the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2013 CFO Outlook. The 602 executives who participated in... Read Story
February 11, 2013, 07:20 AM


A new national survey from TD Bank reveals that both middle-market and corporate CFOs are optimistic for macroeconomic and business growth at a level unseen since the height of the Great Recession. Nearly half (46%) of finance managers polled said... Read Story
February 07, 2013, 07:30 AM


Private U.S. companies are in a slightly better credit position than they were a year ago, according to new data from Sageworks. The average probability that a private company would default in the next year was 4.40 percent for the 12-month period... Read Story
February 07, 2013, 07:00 AM


Sentiment regarding the prospects for the U.S. economy in the year ahead increased among U.S. industrial manufacturers, while uncertainty around outlook for the world economy prevailed, according to the Q4 2012 Manufacturing Barometer released by PwC... Read Story
January 30, 2013, 07:31 AM


The National Center for the Middle Market (NCMM) announced that the U.S. middle market added an estimated $650 billion in new revenue and more than 1 million jobs in 2012 based on findings in the NCMM’s 2012 fourth-quarter Middle Market Indicator.... Read Story
January 24, 2013, 07:42 AM


PwC US’s Private Company Trendsetter Barometer survey found that in the fourth quarter of 2012, privately held businesses selling internationally, especially those in emerging markets, forecast higher growth rates than private companies that sell... Read Story
January 23, 2013, 07:29 AM


According to the most recent data released by Sageworks, privately held companies have improved two financial metrics that are often indicators of default risk, which suggests they are better positioned to borrow than at any point in the last few... Read Story
January 16, 2013, 07:20 AM


Small business loan approval rates at big banks ($10B+ in assets) in December 2012 increased to 14.9%, a figure representing a 13 percent jump from the previous month of November, according to the Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index, a monthly... Read Story
January 10, 2013, 07:18 AM


A CFO.com article outlines the results of a survey of 86 finance chiefs released by Deloitte.  According to the article, CFOs are tempering their expectations for 2013 capital spending and domestic hiring. The quarterly survey, which tracks the... Read Story
January 10, 2013, 07:15 AM


Small-business owner confidence did not rebound in December, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index. While owner optimism crept up 0.5 over November’s historically-low report, the 88 point... Read Story
January 10, 2013, 07:07 AM


The Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) from the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) slipped again in December from 55.2 to 54.9. The most dramatic movement was in sales, which plummeted to 56.7, a low last seen in December 2009 and almost a... Read Story
January 02, 2013, 07:17 AM


Ninety-six percent of 1,000 middle market business leaders questioned in a recent survey say they have strong preferences for the outcome of the ongoing fiscal cliff negotiations. The survey, released by the National Center for the Middle Market, was... Read Story
December 24, 2012, 07:39 AM


Weak overall economic growth persisted in the third quarter of 2012, increasing by 2.7 percent, and the sluggish pace characteristic of the current expansion is likely to continue, according to the quarterly Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity... Read Story
December 21, 2012, 07:30 AM


The uncertainty surrounding the “fiscal cliff” is directly impacting the strategic decisions of many U.S. business owners, according to a new survey by Sageworks, a financial information company. In the survey, accounting professionals were asked to... Read Story
December 20, 2012, 06:59 AM


The main obstacle standing in the path of faster U.S. economic growth is a strong headwind blowing in from fiscal restraint, according to a report released today by TD Economics, an affiliate of TD Bank."Without fiscal drag, the U.S. economy would be... Read Story
December 14, 2012, 07:33 AM


According to the latest KeyBank Middle Market Business Sentiment survey, more than two-thirds (67 percent) of middle market executives have a fair to poor outlook for the U.S. economy in the next 12 months. Only 16 percent of those surveyed are more... Read Story
December 14, 2012, 07:00 AM


Nearly 70 percent of chief financial officers of U.S. companies believe the U.S. economy will either improve or remain stable during the next six months, according to the 2012 Fall CFO Survey from Grant Thornton LLP. The survey findings reveal that... Read Story
December 13, 2012, 08:00 AM


Reuters reported borrowing by small businesses rose in October, according to the Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Lending Index, which measures the overall volume of financing to small U.S. companies. The index rose to 107.5 from an upwardly... Read Story
December 03, 2012, 07:25 AM


Major issues still need to be addressed, but presuming the United States gets its fiscal house in some semblance of order, the U.S. economy could be in a transition from sluggish growth to a longer period of moderate growth, according to a new report... Read Story
November 28, 2012, 07:31 AM


A report from GE finds that the combination of networks and machines could add $10- to $15 trillion to the global GDP.  According to the report, the Industrial Revolution radically changed the way we use energy and make things. The Internet... Read Story
November 26, 2012, 07:59 AM


In the third quarter of 2012, against the backdrop of continuing economic uncertainty and the looming fiscal cliff, PwC US’s Private Company Trendsetter Barometer survey found that private companies increased their projected revenue growth rate for... Read Story
November 19, 2012, 07:18 AM


According to the Bank of America November 2012 Small Business Owner Report, small business owners want to grow or sustain the level of success they’ve experienced in 2012, in the year ahead. They are optimistic about revenue and hiring expectations... Read Story
November 16, 2012, 07:00 AM


Despite continued uncertainty about the prospects of both the U.S. and global economies, the majority of U.S. industrial manufacturers remain positive regarding the overall revenue outlook for the next 12 months, according to the Q3 2012... Read Story
October 26, 2012, 07:16 AM


U.S. businesses are facing a crisis of confidence in the country’s economy during the next year, with optimism falling to 19 percent in the third quarter compared to 50 percent the second quarter of this year, according to the latest Grant Thornton... Read Story
October 24, 2012, 06:28 AM


PayNet, a firm that provides risk management tools to the commercial credit industry shows moderate loan delinquencies stand at 1.40% now while they bottomed at 1.60% in 2006 during the last expansionary cycle. Furthermore, AbsolutePD®, a leading... Read Story
October 22, 2012, 06:45 AM


According to the third quarter Phoenix Management “Lending Climate in America” Survey, it appears that there are two different lending markets – one for larger and healthier companies and one for smaller and less-healthy companies.“It seems as the... Read Story
October 19, 2012, 06:52 AM


TD Economics, an affiliate of TD Bank, released a special report crediting the revival of the U.S. manufacturing sector as a key driver in the economic recovery, largely due to a slowdown in offshoring activity.  This slowdown has kept in the U.S.... Read Story
October 16, 2012, 07:31 AM


In the Bank of America Fall Update to the 2012 CFO Outlook, CFOs weigh in on the economy, priorities and prospects for growth.  According to the report, never before has so much weighed on the minds of corporate finance chiefs—from the changing... Read Story
October 12, 2012, 07:34 AM


U.S. chief financial officers (CFOs) of middle-market companies surveyed this summer remain generally positive about the state of their own industries and continue to see measured growth over the next three years, according to the latest GE Capital... Read Story
September 28, 2012, 07:00 AM


While economic uncertainty at the national level is a top concern among middle market executives, many still believe that their companies are on solid ground. More than half (53%) say that their companies are stronger today than before the Great... Read Story
September 27, 2012, 08:31 AM


A survey of U.S. chief executives shows a sharp drop in the number of large companies that plan to add jobs or hire more workers. The Business Roundtable said Wednesday that only 29 percent of its member CEOs plan to increase hiring over the next six... Read Story
September 27, 2012, 07:32 AM


Confidence in economic growth declined sharply in the latest Bank of America Merrill Lynch CFO Outlook survey, with U.S. financial executives expressing concerns about several potential impacts on the nation’s economy. Only 36 percent of financial... Read Story
September 26, 2012, 07:58 AM


The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) announced the results of a nationwide survey of small businesses and manufacturers. The results cast a harsh light on the state of the U.S.... Read Story
September 26, 2012, 07:14 AM


U.S. CFOs are growing more pessimistic about the American economy, with hiring and spending plans significantly weakening since last quarter. Finance chiefs say that their business spending plans are not sensitive to moderate changes in interest... Read Story
September 12, 2012, 07:59 AM


According to the latest "CFO Outlook Survey" conducted by Financial Executives International (FEI) and Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business, Chief Financial Officers are experiencing alarming declines in optimism toward their businesses and... Read Story
August 24, 2012, 07:32 AM


MarketWatch reported that Caterpillar chief executive, Doug Oberhelam said the global economic outlook is more uncertain today than during late 2008, but stated the situation is not as severe, according to a report issued by The Financial Times on... Read Story
August 20, 2012, 07:18 AM


The Federal Reserve's efforts to stimulate the economy continue to be limited by a lack of business and consumer confidence, says National Federation of Independent Business’s (NFIB's) chief economist in “Your Bottom Line With Bill... Read Story
August 08, 2012, 07:39 AM


Outlook is Positive for Equipment AcquisitionsMore than three-quarters of U.S. middle market executives said their companies will make at least one capital goods acquisition of significant value over the next six to 18 months, according to Vince... Read Story
August 02, 2012, 07:33 AM


According to an article posted on CFO, private-company CFOs surveyed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) said they have enough cash or have even increased their cash this year, but they remain reluctant to deploy it.The... Read Story
June 08, 2012, 08:00 AM


MarketWatch reported that U.S. CEO’s have grown more pessimistic about business conditions than at any time since the 2008 recession began, and most expect little improvement in the U.S. economy in 2012, according to a survey of influential CEOs... Read Story
October 21, 2011, 08:01 AM


Reuters reported that General Electric Co. CEO Jeff Immelt says the U.S. as a nation, is not trying hard enough to win business oversees and this lack of focus is contributing to the U.S. economic slump. As reported, Immelt, top adviser to the Obama... Read Story
October 20, 2011, 08:01 AM