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March 16, 2020

Survey Finds Small Businesses Were Feeling More Optimistic In February

 

  • The National Federation of Independent Business’s Small Business Optimism Index moved up 0.2 points in February 2020 to 104.5, a reading that was among the top 10 percent in the 46-year history of the survey. Those expecting better business conditions increased and job creation and openings improved as well. Real sales expectations declined along with capital expenditure and inventory plans. Click here to read the full report.
  • U.S. import prices declined 0.5 percent in February due to falling import fuel prices that more than offset higher prices for nonfuel imports. Prices for U.S. exports decreased 1.1 percent in February.
  • Real average hourly earnings for all U.S. employees increased 0.3 percent from January to February while real average weekly earnings rose 0.5 percent over the month due to the change in real average hourly earnings combined with a 0.3-percent increase in the average workweek. Real average hourly earnings increased 0.6 percent from February 2019 to February 2020.
  • The U.S. Producer Price Index for final demand fell 0.6 percent in February, but increased 1.3 percent for the 12 months ended in February. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.1 percent in February and 2.3 percent year-over-year.

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