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Labor Quality Remains Top Concern for Small Business Owners
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index stepped up 0.5 points to 100.8 in August, remaining above the 52-year average of 98. August’s increase stemmed primarily from a rise in those expecting real sales to be higher. Of the 10 components included in the index, four increased, four decreased and two stayed the same. Meanwhile, the …
Services Prices Decrease, Unprocessed Goods for Intermediate Demand Fell in August
The Producer Price Index for final demand (also known as wholesale prices) edged down 0.1% over the month in August, after prices jumped 0.7% in July. Over the year, producer prices moved up 2.6% in August, down from 3.1% in July. Meanwhile, prices for final demand excluding foods, energy and trade services increased 0.3% over …
Food and Energy Prices Increase, Headline and Core Inflation Rates Tick Up
In August, consumer prices increased 0.4% over the month and 2.9% over the year, up from the 2.7% annual rise in July. Core CPI, which excludes more volatile energy and food prices, rose 0.3% over the month and 3.1% over the year, slightly higher than the 3.0% 12-month increase in the month prior. Energy costs …
