Money

Small businesses grapple with persistent staff shortage

Published

2 years ago

November 3, 2023

Small businesses in the United States continue to grapple with the challenges posed by a tight labor market.

Despite various efforts to rebound from the pandemic, these enterprises are finding it increasingly difficult to attract and retain employees. This labor shortage has led to higher wages, increased competition for talent, and operational hurdles that many small businesses are struggling to overcome.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses across the nation faced unprecedented challenges. Many had to close temporarily, leading to layoffs and furloughs.

As the economy reopens, these businesses are eager to rebuild, but they are encountering a significant roadblock: a shortage of available workers. The demand for labor has surged, but the supply has not kept pace, leaving small business owners in a tough spot.

With labor in short supply, small businesses are being forced to raise wages and offer more generous benefits packages to attract and retain workers.

While this may be good news for employees, it’s a challenge for business owners who are already dealing with rising costs.

Additionally, increased competition for talent has made it harder for small businesses to find the skilled workers they need, especially in sectors like hospitality and manufacturing.

Money

Australia’s sharemarket set for weakest annual return in three years

Australia’s sharemarket set for weakest return in three years; gains from gold and critical minerals offset blue-chip losses.

Published

20 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Australia’s sharemarket set for weakest return in three years; gains from gold and critical minerals offset blue-chip losses.

Australia’s sharemarket is on track for its weakest annual return in three years, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index expected to finish 2025 up around 6 per cent. Investors are feeling the impact of major losses from blue-chip companies, including Commonwealth Bank and CSL, which have dragged overall performance.

Despite the slow year, certain sectors provided a boost. Gains were largely driven by surging gold prices and rising interest in critical minerals, helping offset some of the losses from larger companies.

Smaller companies in the resources sector outperformed their larger counterparts, highlighting a shift in investor focus towards niche opportunities and high-demand commodities.

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Money

US stocks surge amid AI hype despite market volatility

US stock market bounced back, S&P 500 up 16% in 2023, driven by AI excitement amid policy uncertainties.

Published

22 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Harvey Vargas

US stock market bounced back, S&P 500 up 16% in 2023, driven by AI excitement amid policy uncertainties.

The US stock market has experienced a rollercoaster year, with the S&P 500 nearly entering a bear market in April due to tariff concerns. Investor sentiment shifted following policy changes from President Trump, setting the stage for a dramatic rebound.

By June, the S&P 500 was hitting new records, fueled by excitement over artificial intelligence and its impact on the tech sector. Corporate profit forecasts improved, contributing to an overall annual gain of 16%, despite ongoing market fluctuations.

Yet, the S&P 500 still trails international markets, reflecting lingering policy uncertainties in the US.

Investors are watching closely to see how domestic and global factors will shape the next year.

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Money

Stocks rally ahead of Thanksgiving as markets log four days of gains

Markets gain momentum ahead of Thanksgiving, with the Dow up 388 points and Oracle rising 4% amid investor optimism.

Published

4 weeks ago

November 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Markets gain momentum ahead of Thanksgiving, with the Dow up 388 points and Oracle rising 4% amid investor optimism.

Markets are moving into the Thanksgiving break with strong momentum, as stocks notch four straight days of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 388 points, while the S&P 500 added 0.9%, pushing both indexes toward their best week since June.

Oracle led major movers, rising more than 4% after Deutsche Bank reaffirmed its bullish outlook on the tech giant. Broad investor optimism continues building across sectors as economic data softens and earnings remain resilient.

All eyes are now on the Federal Reserve and what potential shifts in interest-rate policy may mean for the markets. U.S. markets will close Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday and reopen Friday for a shortened trading session.

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