US small business confidence jumps; energy capex up
Washington
US small business confidence increased in April with owners in the energy field surprisingly bullish about capital expenditure and hiring plans, further supporting views that economic growth was rebounding after a dismal first quarter.
The National Federation of Independent Business said on Tuesday its Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.7 points to 96.9 last month. It is the latest sign the economy is clawing back after being slammed by a mix of bad weather, port disruptions, a strong dollar and deep spending cuts by energy firms.
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Vietnam tycoon appeals against US$27 billion fraud death sentence
US announces new restrictions on firearm exports
Central banks will probably only cut half as much as they hiked
US consumer sentiment falls as inflation expectations climb
HSBC wins £1.3 billion suit over Disney film finance scandal
WTO countries to reboot dispute reform negotiations