By historical standards, that's a good rate, but we're used to 5 and 6 (percent growth) now, so it's going to feel bad. Perspective gets skewed by prosperity.
Barring a crippling auto industry strike or some other major event unforeseen in May, the latest survey readings indicate a growth rate of about 3 percent during the next six months,
Judicious capital investments have allowed the small-business community to cut operating costs to the point where many are able to hold the line on -- or reduce -- consumer costs, improve employee compensation, withstand flat or lower sales and still generate higher profits,
While hiring plans have softened since last year, labor markets remain extremely tight.
Capital spending (actual and planned) got healthier and one in five owners views the current period as a good time to expand, strong for this period in the cycle.
The 'tone' is terrific but the dollars haven't caught up with the music.
Shopping action must have been heavy, as the frequency of reported sales gains jumped way up in November, to the third-highest level in all of '98.
I won't say 'deflation,' but price paring was widespread. It reached far beyond manufacturing and agriculture.
Compared to last year, it's not a party, but historically, it's not so bad,
Small business owners are raising wages to keep the people already on board and to make open positions more attractive. With many small firms struggling to fill job slots, it's natural to see expansion plans being put on hold.
