Bloomberg News/Landov
The numbers: The index of U.S. small-business confidence from a National Federation of Independent Business declined 2 points to 102.7 in December, a trade organisation pronounced Tuesday. That was subsequent a accord foresee of 104.4 from Econoday.
What happened: Six of a 10 index components fell, dual improved, and dual were unchanged. Economic and sales expectations components both increased, yet so did uncertainty. Finding competent workers remained a tip emanate for firms.
Big picture: Economists watch NFIB’s collateral intentions for clues about a opening of a economy. In December, that member fell 2 points to a reading of 28.
What are they saying? “The drop in capex skeleton is unsatisfactory yet a index is marginally aloft than a year ago so it still points to a miscarry in capex subsequent spring, yet a initial entertain expected will be soft,”” pronounced Ian Shepherdson, arch economist during Pantheon Macroeconomics.
Market reaction: Stocks non-stop somewhat reduce on Tuesday as a initial vital gain releases of a quarter. The SP 500 index
SPX, -0.16%
slipped 8 points in early trading.
Greg Robb is a comparison contributor for MarketWatch in Washington. Follow him on Twitter @grobb2000.
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