National small business confidence up for second straight month
March 3, 2010
Small- and mid-size business confidence is gaining strength again. After slumping in late 2009, optimism among business owners has now grown for two consecutive months—the first time it has done so since the previous summer. Continue
National small business confidence kicks-off 2010 on a positive note
February 3, 2010
Small business confidence improved in January, recovering most of the ground it had lost a month earlier. Confidence is now almost equivalent to levels seen in the September-to-November 2009 period—indicating continuing modest growth in the economy. The Business Barometer index now stands at 66.9 for January, which is equivalent to an expected GDP growth rate in the 2.0 per cent to 2.5 per cent range.ContinueNational small business confidence shows a not so jolly holiday season
January 6, 2010
Business confidence among Canada’s small and mid-sized enterprises lost ground in December, suggesting that the economy is still only recovering at a gradual pace. CFIB’s Business Barometer Index fell to 63.7 in December, from 68.0 a month earlier. The Index has still to match its September peak for the year of 68.7, which means customer demand growth remains below par. ContinueNational small business confidence steady in November
December 2, 2009
Business confidence among Canada’s small and mid-sized business owners has held steady in November, according to CFIB’s latest Business Barometer® findings. The November Index stands at 68.0—within a point of September and October results. These findings suggest that although the recovery is proceeding, its pace is gradual. ContinueNational small business optimism dips slightly in October
November 4, 2009
Following strong improvements through the late summer, business confidence among Canada’s small and mid-sized businesses stepped back slightly in October. CFIB’s Business Barometer® Index dropped to 67.0 in October, from 68.7 a month earlier. When mapped against GDP growth, however, this Index level still suggests the recovery is progressing. ContinueMonthly Results of September 2009 SME Business Outlook Survey
October 7, 2009
Small business confidence has taken another step upward, as signs of Canada’s economic recovery become clearer. CFIB’s Business Barometer Index rose to 68.7 in September, a 3.3-point rise over its August level. Confidence is now at its highest level since the first quarter of 2007. For the first time since the recession began a year ago, improving business sentiment has been supported by stronger capital investmentContinueAugust Business Barometer® index climbs to its highest level in 2 years
September 2, 2009
Small business confidence has taken a clear upward turn in August, according to the latest CFIB survey findings. After mediocre results in June and July, the Business Barometer® index climbed to 65.4, its highest level in two years. The improvement is broad based across industries and regions, suggesting that the economy is finally making its first tentative steps toward recoveryContinueMonthly Results of June 2009 SME Business Outlook Survey
July 8, 2009
The Canadian economy gave up some ground in June, according to the latest business confidence survey findings from CFIB. The Business Barometer® index fell to 58.5 last month—almost 2 points below its May level. After hopeful signs earlier in the spring, the setback suggests that GDP growth has not yet returned to positive territory and that economic recovery is not yet taking hold. From these results, most SMEs appear to be remaining in defensive modeContinueMonthly Results of May 2009 SME Business Outlook Survey
June 3, 2009
There are growing signs that Canada’s economy is turning the corner towards recovery. Confidence among small- and mid-sized business owners continued to improve through May. CFIB’s Business Barometer Index rose to 60.4 last month, from 54.9 in April, and a cyclical low of 39.4 in December 2008. Despite the improvement, the index remains well below historical norms and suggest that GDP growth has not yet entered the positive territoryContinueResults of March 2009 Survey on SME Business Expectations
March 25, 2009
After having to deal with significant levels of economic uncertainty through the early months of 2009, Canadian small and mid-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) confidence levels have held firm. Continue
