FYI: Today’s March release of the index of small business optimism declined for the second straight month, but when you put this decline in the perspective of the massive surge we saw towards the end of 2016 and into 2017, it is hardly a big cause for concern, at least not at this point. As shown in the chart below, the index came in at 104.7 this month, which was inline with expectations and just 1.2 points below its multi-year high of 105.9. Not only that, but the index is also well above its long-term average of 96.2 dating back to 2000. Looking into the details of the report this month, there were some comments suggesting that the surge in confidence from the last few months is translating into actual activity. As mentioned in the report, “there is growing evidence that this optimism is being translated into more spending and hiring, although not at explosive rates.” Hey, it’s a start.
Regards,
Ted
https://www.bespokepremium.com/think-big-blog/small-business-optimism-posts-modest-decline/
