With kids back in school and fall sports kicking off, we are in the 3rd quarter's final weeks of the business year, and economic reports present an interesting mix of results. Consumer prices ticked up 0.1% in August after realizing no change in July. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is up 8.3% over the last year, decelerating for the second consecutive month from June’s pace of 9.1%. That was the quickest decline since November 1981. For consumers this means prices are up and the data will continue to put pressure on the Fed to raise borrowing costs again this week.
Chad Moutray, author of the National Association of Manufacturers Monday Economic Report shares: “The Small Business Optimism Index rose from 89.9 in July to 91.8 in August, rebounding somewhat for the second straight month from June’s reading 89.5, which was the lowest since March 2013. These data continue to reflect a weak small business sector, which remains challenged by inflation, supply chain issues, workforce shortages, and economic uncertainties.”
Locally, we are hosting our annual
Delaware Networking Station event with the Better Business Bureau Serving Delaware at the Chase Center in Wilmington this Thursday evening. While not exclusively a small business event, the 100-plus tables will predominately host representatives from area small businesses and nonprofits. The event is
free, so please come out and connect with HVAC contractors, healthcare providers, accounting firms, bankers and more!