Confidence in U.S. economy retreats among small biz CEOs, according to Dec. 2018 WSJ/Vistage survey
A significant percentage of small business CEOs anticipate that the U.S. economy will weaken in 2019, according to the latest results of the WSJ/Vistage Small Business CEO Survey.
The survey, conducted from December 3-10, 2018, captured the opinions of 633 small-business CEOs. One-third (33%) of survey respondents said that they expect economic conditions to worsen in the year ahead, compared to 26% one month ago and 11% one year ago. Only 15% said that they expect economic conditions to improve, compared to 20% one month ago and 44% one year ago.
“In only one other survey—since the WSJ/Vistage Small Business Survey first began in mid-2012—did firms express less optimism about growth prospects,” said Dr. Richard Curtin, a researcher from the University of Michigan who analyzed the survey results. “That occurred in November 2012, which followed the presidential election and a split Congress.”
Download the report to learn more about the survey results, including:
• Trends in the WSJ/Vistage Small Business CEO Confidence Index
• Hiring and investment plans of small business CEOs
• Profit and revenue expectations for 2019
• Factors contributing to economic expectations
Category: Economic / Future Trends
Tags: Hiring, u.s. economy, WSJ Vistage Small Business CEO Survey
About the Author: Joe Galvin
Joe Galvin is the Chief Research Officer for Vistage Worldwide. Vistage members receive the most credible, data-driven and actionable thought leadership on the strategic issues facing CEOs. Through collaboration with the Vistage community of…
Appreciate the report but in NY lack of growth is also due to outflux of wage earners to other states and increased taxes and minimum wage. When taxes go up (which are already some of highest in country, combined with higher utility costs and minimum wage increases, people leave. When minimum wage goes up, other positions must also go up to capture difference in skilled/educated/experienced vs. lack of skill/education:/experience.