U.S. small-business confidence reached its highest level in nearly 3-1/2 years in November, driven by post-election euphoria. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Small Business Optimism Index surged as owners became more optimistic about the economy and expansion
U.S. small-business confidence surged to its highest level in nearly 3-1/2 years in November, buoyed by post-election optimism. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported on Tuesday that its Small Business Optimism Index jumped by 8.0 points to 101.7 last month, the highest since June 2021. Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential race and his Republican Party’s control of the U.S. Congress in the recent elections were expected to boost confidence among small business owners, who traditionally lean Republican. Other sentiment surveys, including the University of Michigan’s, have also seen improvements in the aftermath of the November 5 election, albeit divided along party lines.
The proportion of small business owners expecting the economy to improve surged by 41 points to 36%, the largest increase since June 2020. The number saying now is a good time to expand their business reached levels last seen nearly 3-1/2 years ago. More businesses anticipated higher sales growth, while the share of those naming inflation as their main concern fell.
The survey’s uncertainty index dropped by 12 points from a record high of 110 in October. Labor remains tight in small businesses, especially in sectors like transportation, construction, and professional services. The proportion of businesses planning to hire more workers increased by 3 points to 18%, the highest in a year. Around 32% of owners reported raising compensation, up one point from October. The share planning to increase pay over the next three months jumped 5 points to 28%, the highest level this year. About 28% planned price hikes, up 2 points from October.
"Wage hikes are essential to maintaining current employment levels and helping to fill vacancies," said Bill Dunkelberg, the chief economist at the NFIB.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called a meeting with business leaders after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump suggested military or economic measures to take control of Greenland. She reaffirmed Greenland’s autonomy and Denmark’s commitment to Arctic security and trade.
The U.S. will remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism as part of a prisoner release deal. Havana welcomed the move but criticised ongoing U.S. sanctions.
The United States and Armenia have signed a strategic partnership charter, enhancing bilateral cooperation in defense, security, democracy, and nuclear energy.
Greenland’s PM signals readiness to boost US ties under Trump, emphasizing trade, mining, and Arctic cooperation amid global tensions and strategic interest from major powers.
Iran’s army received 1,000 new drones on January 13, equipped with advanced stealth and anti-fortification capabilities, amid increasing tensions with Israel and the United States.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached, with hostages set to be released after over 15 months of conflict. The deal also includes a prisoner exchange, offering hope for peace despite ongoing violence in Gaza.
After the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law that could ban TikTok over national security concerns, President Biden stated the final decision would rest with the next president, Donald Trump, who is reportedly considering a temporary delay of enforcement
A fire ravaged a shopping mall in Culiacán, Mexico, on January 16, 2025, causing significant damage, including the collapse of the roof housing a casino. Emergency responders worked to control the blaze, with one injury and two others treated for nervous breakdowns. Cause remains unknown.
Russia and Iran have agreed to intensify cooperation in developing international transport corridors, especially the North-South corridor. The move aims to improve trade flows and create smoother transportation conditions for goods traveling through both countries.
The Houthis, ruling northern Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the seventh drone attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman since its arrival in the Red Sea. The group also warned it is monitoring developments in the Gaza Strip.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
Coast Guard divers Chuck Fox and Corey Smith from the US Cutter *Polar Star* successfully repaired a leaking shaft in the freezing waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
Azerbaijan has temporarily halted its contracted natural gas supply to Bulgaria following a technical issue at BP's Alpha platform in the Shah Deniz gas field.
As we welcome the new year, it’s time to focus on species needing urgent conservation in 2025. From delicate lizards to mighty hornbills and massive sharks, all face the threat of extinction.
Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.
Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket early Thursday, marking a key milestone in the satellite launch industry. The rocket, featuring a reusable first stage, lifted off from Cape Canaveral, positioning Blue Origin as a competitor to SpaceX in commercial space exploration.
Apple lost its position as China’s top smartphone seller in 2024, with Vivo and Huawei surpassing it after a 17% drop in shipments, marking its largest-ever annual decline. Rising competition, Huawei’s comeback, and shifting consumer trends challenge Apple’s market position.
Meta to cut 5% of staff, focusing on "low performers," while boosting AI investments. Restructuring continues as 2023's "Year of Efficiency" impacts thousands of roles.
RedNote, a Chinese lifestyle app known as Xiaohongshu, has seen a surge of over 500,000 TikTok users amid U.S. ban concerns. The platform, often called China’s Instagram, is exploring global expansion as it gains unexpected international attention.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has affirmed that Britain will establish its own approach to artificial intelligence regulation, emphasising the importance of testing and understanding AI before implementing a proportionate and grounded regulatory framework.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached, with hostages set to be released after over 15 months of conflict. The deal also includes a prisoner exchange, offering hope for peace despite ongoing violence in Gaza.
After the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law that could ban TikTok over national security concerns, President Biden stated the final decision would rest with the next president, Donald Trump, who is reportedly considering a temporary delay of enforcement
A fire ravaged a shopping mall in Culiacán, Mexico, on January 16, 2025, causing significant damage, including the collapse of the roof housing a casino. Emergency responders worked to control the blaze, with one injury and two others treated for nervous breakdowns. Cause remains unknown.
Russia and Iran have agreed to intensify cooperation in developing international transport corridors, especially the North-South corridor. The move aims to improve trade flows and create smoother transportation conditions for goods traveling through both countries.
The Houthis, ruling northern Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the seventh drone attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman since its arrival in the Red Sea. The group also warned it is monitoring developments in the Gaza Strip.
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