Money

U.S. small business confidence hits 3-1/2-year peak

US small business confidence hits 3.5-year high post-election, driven by optimism for economy and hiring plans.

Published

1 year ago

December 11, 2024

ticker NEWS

U.S. small-business confidence reached its highest point in nearly 3-1/2 years in November, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

The NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index increased by 8.0 points to 101.7, marking the highest level since June 2021.

This surge followed the recent elections, which saw Donald Trump winning the presidential race and the Republican Party gaining control of Congress.

Small business owners, who typically lean Republican, showed increased confidence, a trend anticipated by economists.

Other sentiment surveys also reported improvements in consumer confidence post-election.

Economic improvement

The percentage of small business owners expecting economic improvement rose significantly, indicating a shift in outlook.

More owners believe now is a good time to expand their business, with expectations for higher sales growth increasing. Concerns about inflation slightly lessened, as fewer owners cited it as their primary issue.

Additionally, the uncertainty index for small businesses dropped, reflecting increased stability in economic expectations.

Despite ongoing labor shortages in various sectors, the number of businesses planning to hire rose to the highest level in a year.

Compensation for employees saw an uptick; 32% of owners reported increases, while a notable percentage plans further raises in the coming months.

Money

U.S. stocks falling amid AI worries and weak earnings

U.S. stocks decline amid AI concerns, defensive sectors rising; traders eye commodities, jobs data, and currency trends for insights.

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. stocks decline amid AI concerns, defensive sectors rising; traders eye commodities, jobs data, and currency trends for insights.

U.S. stocks are tumbling as investors grow concerned over AI profitability and disappointing earnings. Defensive sectors are attracting attention ahead of the upcoming CPI report, while market participants are carefully watching how tech-heavy AI stocks are influencing broader indices. Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX notes that these factors are shaping market sentiment.

For traders, commodities like gold and oil are also playing a role in sentiment, providing hedges amid market uncertainty. The January jobs report and unemployment data are adding further context, with potential implications for Federal Reserve policy.

Market expectations for rate cuts are shifting as investors weigh economic indicators against global market dynamics. Traders are also eyeing currency movements, including the Australian Dollar and Japanese yen, for signs of broader economic trends.

Money

Wall Street tumbles as tech stocks face AI disruption fears

Wall Street falters as tech stocks dive amid AI anxieties; 2026 seen as critical for proving AI investment returns.

Published

3 days ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Wall Street falters as tech stocks dive amid AI anxieties; 2026 seen as critical for proving AI investment returns.

Wall Street took a sharp hit as tech stocks plummeted amid growing investor anxiety over artificial intelligence. Markets reacted strongly to uncertainty about how AI could disrupt major sectors, leaving investors on edge. Kyle Rodda from Capital.com explains why investors are nervous about what’s ahead.

Cisco Systems’ quarterly results added to the market jitters, while defensive sectors gained attention as investors sought safer bets. Analysts describe 2026 as a ‘prove it’ year for AI, with companies needing to demonstrate real returns on their ambitious investments.

The January Consumer Price Index report and rising concerns over AI’s impact on transportation companies further weighed on sentiment. Investors are now closely watching major tech firms for signals on how AI spending will shape future market performance.

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Money

U.S. jobs report, Fed decisions, and Japan’s economic risks explained

January US jobs report sparks uncertainty; analysts debate impact on Federal Reserve policy and market confidence.

Published

4 days ago

February 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

January US jobs report sparks uncertainty; analysts debate impact on Federal Reserve policy and market confidence.

The January US jobs report shows a mixed picture for the economy, with payroll revisions and steady unemployment leaving analysts questioning the impact on Federal Reserve policy. We break down what the numbers mean for interest rates and market confidence.

US stock markets could face turbulence as investors digest the latest jobs data. David Scutt from StoneX explains how these figures may influence equities and what the outlook is for global markets.

Meanwhile, developments in Japan and a strengthening yen could spark new macroeconomic risks. From carry trades to unexpected shocks, we explore how these factors ripple across the global economy.

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