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The article presents an analysis of the data on economic trends that have been observed in the previous year. Optimism index, labor markets, credit market and inflation are some of the topics that are analyzed.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbankfin.2010.06.004 Byline: Jonathan A. Scott (a), William C. Dunkelberg (b) Keywords: Small business; Competition; Bank market concentration Abstract: This paper addresses two questions related to the ongoing consolidation of the US banking industry and its effect on small firm financing. First, are conventional measures of market structure (e.g. geographic market size and deposit concentration) related to bank competition for small firm financial business? Second, does an increase in bank competition produce an improvement in bank services irrespective of market structure? To answer these questions we use a survey of small firm owners that asks them to report on changes in bank competition for their business. Our findings show that reports of increased competition by small firm owners are negatively related to the level of and change in deposit concentration. In addition, we find a significant positive association between changes in bank competition reported by small firms and their reports of changes in banking outcomes (e.g. service quality) that is independent of deposit concentration, firm risk, and credit usage. Author Affiliation: (a) Fox School of Business, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA (b) College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA Article History: Received 14 February 2009; Accepted 8 June 2010

The survey details of National Federation of Independent Business on Small Business Economic Trends, which shows probable growth in job creation in market, impaired growth in gross domestic product (GDP) due to environmental influences such as hurricanes Katrina and Rita, improvement in capital spending and decrease in optimism index by 0.9 points, for the month of September 2005, are discussed. The trends in last three months as well as for the coming three months, for various issues like earnings, sales, prices, employment, inventories and credit conditions from are also illustrated. The questionnaire used for the survey is also presented.

The details from a survey conducted by National Federation of Independent Business on economic trends in small businesses during July 2005 are presented. Optimism index rose to 101.1 in the month based on base index of 1986. Graphs of monthly trends in labor markets, capital spending, inventories, inflation, profits, wages and credit markets prevalent from 2000 to July 2005 are also presented. The questionnaire used for the survey is also presented.

The details of a survey on small business economic trends conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business is discussed. The survey results cover such topics as job creation, GDP, capital spending and inventories. The optimism index from November is also considered. Trends in earnings, sales, prices, employment, inventories and credit conditions from 1999 to 2004 are illustrated. The questionnaire used for the survey is presented.

The survey details of the National Federation of Independent Business on Small Business Economic Trends, which shows growth in job creation in market, GDP, capital spending and inventories and a decrease in the optimism index by 0.6 points from September are discussed. The monthly trends of various issues like earnings, sales, prices, employment, inventories and credit conditions from 1999 to 2004 are illustrated. The questionnaire used for the survey is also presented.

The National Federation of Independent Business conducts surveys of its members to determine the characteristics and dynamics of their financial activities. Survey dynamics being determined include bank rating and services offered, perceptions on businesses, cheapest and most available money, speed of processing, helpful assistance and the convenience and accessibility of the services.

Small businesses and the general economy are forecasted to show a strong year despite the slowing of national economic growth. Labor quality remains the leading problem faced by small business owners, followed by bureaucracy and regulations. Price increases have been reported to rise between May and June 1998 with the average net percentage of companies increasing prices posted at about 1%. First quarter growth was posted at 5% with second quarter growth remaining to be strong but at a slower pace.

Small business experienced a decline in profit in 1997 as well as lowered expectations regarding the economic growth. Six percent of the companies have increased their selling price and 9% of firms with unsatisfactory profits performance blame low selling price for the low profits. Hiring plans are still in higher levels with 20% of all firms intending to hire more employees. On the other hand, 16% of all firms were facing difficulty in finding qualified labor.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) records still signify a continuing growth in employment, no inflation, and the difficult position of the national economy's labor market. No change in hiring plan level can be observed while 20% of all firms are targeting expansion in employment. The past three months have also witnessed salary increase from 30% of the firms, short by two points for the December 1997 expectation. Seventeen percent of firms considers qualified labor very rare and 28% reported at least one job vacancy that is not easy to fill.

This article presents results of a study of borrowing activity in the small business community in 1995 by The National Federation of Independent Business in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture. The position and views of small business are presented along with other findings, such as the effects of merger and acquisition activities. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.), This article presents results of a study of borrowing activity in the small business community in 1995 by The National Federation of Independent Business in cooperation with the Department of [...]

A small business survey conducted in July 1996 lends support to predictions by most economists of a marked slowing in the second half the year. The survey involved a sample of 7,200 small business owners belonging to the National Federation of Independent Business. Among other findings, the survey found that labor market strength, capital spending, labor costs and inflation are the four most important factors that will determine small business performance in the second half of 1996.

The Index of Small Business Optimism increased by more than two points in Nov. 1995. At 104, it was the highest reading since Nov. 1994. Growth for 1995's 4th qtr. is predicted to be better, although it will not be as strong as that of the same period in 1994. Lower sales reports decreased by 2%, with a 10-point improvement in the percent of enterprises reporting higher profits and more firms exhibiting confidence in the economic outlook for Nov. 1995. Due to price cuts, revenue is expected to be flatter although the real volume of retail sales will surpass 1994 levels.

The National Federation of Independent Business Index of Small Business Optimism reflected minimal change in the US economy as of Jun. 1994. The seasonally adjusted index declined by half a point since May 1994, dropping from 100.0 to 99.3. Pres. Bill Clinton's economic policies had become less popular, with 50% believing that his policies were poor. A mere 1% of the respondents considered Clinton's economic policies excellent.

Business environment needed to boost the small business sector such as credit facilities, employment, accumulation of inventory, and capital outlays appear to be positive since the late 1980s. However, due to the complete lack of confidence brought about by the long period of poor business activity, small business owners refuse to take advantage of the favorable credit conditions. The President's economic proposals were even given negative reviews. In effect, no plans to expand, to invest, or to increase hiring and compensation have yet been made by this sector. Profit margins have been further reduced due to lower sales and the rising costs of insurance, taxes and regulatory expenses.

A survey of NFIB members revealed that the economy of small business improved between October and January with fourth quarter performances reaching the highest level for two years. It found that small business owners were more optimistic about the future due to more favourable economic conditions, sales prospects and financing. Credit conditions also improved but lower unit costs have held prices in check, although some pricing changes are expected. Earnings improved in the fourth quarter and employment showed recovery, but few capital expenditures were made. The most significant problems for small businesses was taxes and poor sales.

Graphs representing loan availability and interest rates among U.S. small businesses surveyed from January 1986 to August 2010 are given. Tables showing regular borrowers, availability of loans, satisfied borrowing needs, expected credit conditions, relative interest rate paid by regular borrowers, and actual interest rate paid on short-term loans by borrowers are also presented.

Graphs representing loan availability and interest rates among U.S. small businesses surveyed from January 1986 to March 2009 are given. Tables showing regular borrowers, availability of loans, satisfied borrowing needs, expected credit conditions, relative interest rate paid by regular borrowers, and actual interest rate paid on short-term loans by borrowers are also presented.

Results of a survey on U.S.- based small businesses' credit conditions are presented. Graphs indicate percentages on loan availability as well as relative and actual interest rates from 1974 to 2008. The tables show percentages of monthly borrowing, availability of loans, borrowing needs satisfied and expected credit conditions from January 2003 to April 2008.

Graphs and tables that present the credit conditions of small businesses in the United States are provided. The tables include figures on availability of loans, interest rates, and expected credit conditions.

Graphs and tables that represent the credit conditions of small businesses in the United States are presented. The tables include figures on availability of loans, interest rates, and expected credit conditions.

Graphs representing loan availability and interest rates among U.S. small businesses surveyed from January 1986 to November 2006 are given. Tables showing regular borrowers, availability of loans, satisfied borrowing needs, expected credit conditions, relative interest rate paid by regular borrowers, and actual interest rate paid on short-term loans by borrowers are also presented.

The employment changes in small business for the period 1998-2003 are presented. The percentage of job openings, qualified applicants for job openings and the hiring plans in small business for the same period are also provided.

Sure, our small business customers like good prices. But not at the sacrifice of other factors that are considered even more important. Community banks are advised to find their niche, [...]

Despite recent gains by organized labor and the lowest unemployment rate in three decades, careful control of the money market is keeping the economy on an even keel. FOR A [...]