Small Business Owners’ Optimism Reaches 22-Year High
As we approach spring, there’s a prevailing sense of optimism. There are many strong indicators, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq marking their best February performance since 2015, and the Dow exhibiting its strongest showing since 2021. Notably, inflation appears to be easing, as reflected in the 2.4% increase in Americans’ spending in January compared to the same period in 2023—a figure not seen since March 2021, according to the personal consumption expenditures index.
Buoyed by these positive trends, business leaders are expressing increased confidence. PNC’s semi-annual survey of small and mid-sized businesses reveals a significant shift, with 55% of business owners now highly optimistic about the national economy—a notable rise from the 26% recorded a year ago. Moreover, a striking 79% express high optimism regarding the prospects of their own businesses, marking a 22-year high in business owner confidence and a diminished fear of an impending recession.
Of course, while the data suggests that the economy is on a solid trajectory, it’s crucial to acknowledge some underlying factors. Despite the rally in tech stocks, particularly those driven by AI divisions, and the success of major retailers, interest rates remain unchanged (although signals from the Fed have been strongly indicating that they will begin decreasing). PNC Chief Economist Gus Faucher highlights the importance of closely monitoring factors like employment data, inflation trends, and the Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates for a comprehensive economic assessment.
As the Federal Reserve Board convenes this month to deliberate on interest rates, potential adjustments loom, especially if inflation continues to decelerate. However, Forbes senior contributor Rohit Arora underscores the risks identified by Faucher, emphasizing the need to consider inflation measured by the consumer price index, jobless rates, and market dynamics. The uncertainty of these variables underscores the dynamic nature of economic conditions.
Yet, insights from small business owners paint an encouraging picture. The survey reveals that only 47% anticipate increasing prices in the next six months, with a majority planning modest increases of 1% to 2%. Additionally, one in five businesses intends to expand its full-time workforce. Given that small businesses play a pivotal role, representing 99% of U.S. enterprises, contributing 44% to the GDP, employing half of the private workforce, and accounting for 30% of all purchases, these positive indicators hint at a potential upswing in the economic landscape.
Forbes.com, Megan Poinski
