Stocks Close At New High As Business Owner Optimism Surged
Published Friday, February 14, 2020 at: 7:00 AM EST
In the 46 years that the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has been tracking business owner sentiment, only 10% of the monthly readings were better than last month's 1.6 percentage point rise.
January's surge in optimism occurred even as the business owner optimism index has hovered in record territory since 2017.
Business owners employ about half the U.S. labor force and created about 70% of new jobs in the last decade, according to U.S. Bureau for Economic Analysis data.
"Only a major unexpected event can disrupt the economy in the near term," NFIB said Tuesday in releasing the optimism index report. "Otherwise, there is no reason this expansion can't continue, benefiting small business owners, employees, and consumers."
The Standard & Poor's 500 stock index, a proxy for progress, closed Friday at a new all-time high, ending the week on Friday at 3,380.16.
The Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.??It is a market-value weighted index with each stock's weight proportionate to its market value. Index returns do not include fees or expenses. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal, and past performance is no guarantee of future results.??The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.
Nothing contained herein is to be considered a solicitation, research material, an investment recommendation, or advice of any kind, and it is subject to change without notice.??It does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs. Product suitability must be independently determined for each individual investor.
This material represents an assessment of the market and economic environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete, and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions.??
This article was written by a veteran financial journalist based on data compiled and analyzed by independent economist, Fritz Meyer. While these are sources we believe to be reliable, the information is not intended to be used as financial advice without consulting a professional about your personal situation. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Investments with higher return potential carry greater risk for loss. Past performance is not an indicator of your future results.
2022
- Despite Bad Economic News, Stocks Rose 4% In The Week Ended July 29, 2022
- Amid Bad Data Releases, Leading Economists Predict No Recession
- Good News: Real Retail Sales Dropped Fractionally In The Past Year
- Financial Economic News Analysis
- Odds Of A Soft Landing Shrunk After Friday's News
- Bad Inflation Surprise Sends Stocks Down Sharply
- It Could Be A Long, Hot Summer For Investors
- What A Difference A Week Makes
- Amid Stock Market Turmoil, +2.3% Growth Projected In 2022
- Staying On Track Amid The Ukraine And Inflation Crises
- For Investors, 2022 Is Turning Into A Test
- Is The Economy Brightening? Or Is The Federal Reserve Slamming The Door On Growth
- Perspective Amid A Moment Seeming Fraught With Investment Risk
- Two Years After The Pandemic Began
- Turning The Page On A Dark Period In History
- Russia-Ukraine War Erupted And Inflation Worsened But Outlook Drove Stocks Higher For The Week
- Investment Perspective Amid Risks Of Fed Tightening, Covid Variants, And European War
- S&P 500 Lost -1.9% Friday; Latest U.S. Economic Data Are Strong
- January Job Formation Figures Crushed Expectations, Amid A Shortage Of Workers
- S&P 500 Closed Up 2.4% Friday After A -10% Correction
- Stocks Declined Sharply, Even As Economists Expect 3% Growth In 2022
- Should You Care About Wall Street Stock Market Predictions?
- Weekly Economic Update For Investors