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Businesses plan to spend more money on themselves. What does that mean?

Mar 11, 2021
Greater capital spending is a sign that consumer demand is picking up and will probably continue to grow.
Capital spending involves large-scale business investments like buying machinery and building new workspace.
Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images

Small-business optimism hits 8-month low

Feb 9, 2021
Though some numbers show signs of hope, the uncertainty many businesses feel can't entirely be captured in a survey.
A restaurant serving patrons outdoors on a winter night. Business owners aren't sure what a new normal will look like.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Small business optimism overall is way up, but not for all owners

Oct 13, 2020
A survey from the NFIB finds optimism at pre-pandemic levels, but not necessarily for businesses in the service sector like restaurants and retail shops.
Small businesses in the services sector have a more bleak outlook as they continue to navigate COVID restrictions.
Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images