Small-Business Optimism Drops After Attacks

Jan. 13, 2005
By John S. McClenahen Hires are on hold. And so is capital spending. The words are familiar, with so many large companies reassessing their business plans in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. And now comes ...
ByJohn S. McClenahen Hires are on hold. And so is capital spending. The words are familiar, with so many large companies reassessing their business plans in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. And now comes documentation that small businesses in the U.S. are doing much the same as their larger counterparts. "Small-business owners seem to have taken the attack personally, with far fewer seeing hope for sales gains," says William Dunkelberg, chief economist at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Washington. NFIB's Small Business Optimism Index fell by five points between the first half of September and the second half of the month to its lowest reading since 1993. And expected real sales went negative -- down 17 points -- for the first time since NFIB began conducting its Small Business Economic Trends survey on a monthly basis in 1986.

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Beware Extreme Software

Sept. 24, 2023
As a manufacturer, you understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve and being proactive in your approach to technology. With the rapid pace of change in the industry...

3D Printing a More Efficient Factory Floor

Nov. 16, 2023
Today’s additive manufacturing platforms make it simple to print a wide range of high-performing industrial parts as soon as possible and right where you need them — unlocking...

Decarbonization Navigator: A Toolkit for Organizations

Sept. 28, 2023
The increasing urgency of addressing climate change along with stakeholder pressures are driving the need for organizations to prioritize decarbonization. Discover how to start...

Food and Beverage 2024 Trends and Outlook for North America

Oct. 29, 2023
Ready to hear what 200 of your peers said are the top challenges and opportunities in 2024? Don’t fall behind. Uncover actionable insights to better prepare for 2024 in this whitepaper...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!