Small Business Confidence Hits Record High: Why Entrepreneurs Are Betting Big on 2026
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index hit a record 72.0, with 73% of business owners expecting revenue growth. Here's what's driving the optimism.
26 articles found for "investing"
Pay Raises Are Shrinking: What 3.5% Salary Increases Mean for Your 2026 Financial Plan
U.S. employers are planning 3.5% average salary increases for 2026, down from post-pandemic highs. With economic uncertainty overtaking labor competition, workers face a new reality in wage negotiations.
Trump Tax Cuts to Deliver Bigger Refunds: Americans Could See $1,000 or More This Filing Season
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act's retroactive tax provisions mean Americans filing 2025 returns could receive refunds averaging $300 to $1,000 more than typical years, with total stimulus estimated at $30-100 billion.
Treasury Implements Auto Loan Interest Tax Break: Ford and GM Hit 52-Week Highs
Treasury Secretary Bessent announced implementation of Trump's auto loan interest tax deduction, allowing up to $10,000 in annual deductions. Ford and GM shares jumped to new 52-week highs.
JPMorgan Survey: Midsize Business Optimism Plummets to 39% as Economic Uncertainty Clouds 2026
JPMorgan's annual business survey reveals a sharp drop in optimism among midsize companies, with only 39% confident in the national economy for 2026—down from 65% a year ago.
The 3.5% Raise Reality: What American Workers Can Expect From 2026 Salary Budgets
Multiple surveys project 3.2-3.6% average salary increases for 2026, down slightly from 2025. Here's what's driving compensation decisions and how to maximize your earnings.
The Layoff Wave Rolls Into 2026: 1.2 Million Job Cuts and the AI Reckoning Reshaping Corporate America
Corporate layoffs hit 1.2 million in 2025, up 54% from the prior year. With over 100 companies filing WARN notices for January 2026, the restructuring wave shows no signs of slowing.
The January 9 Jobs Report Looms Large: Economists Forecast Unemployment Rising to 4.7%
The December employment report arrives January 9 with forecasts pointing to another slow month for hiring. What the labor market outlook means for Fed policy and workers.
Amazon's $100 Billion AI Pivot Claims 2,400 Washington Jobs: Inside Big Tech's Restructuring
Amazon cuts 2,400 Washington state jobs as part of $100 billion AI investment strategy. The latest in Big Tech's wave of restructuring prioritizing artificial intelligence.
The K-Shaped Consumer Divide Widens: High-Income Spending Surges 4% While Lower-Income Americans Retrench
Bank of America data reveals high-income consumer spending surged 4% in November—the fastest growth in 4 years—while lower-income households pull back. The K-shaped economy intensifies.
The Stagflation Specter Returns: Why 2026 Could Revive the 1970s Economic Nightmare
Economists warn stagflation—high inflation plus slow growth—could become a regular topic in 2026. What it means for jobs, prices, and your financial security.
New Year, New Money Goals: Why Paying Off Debt Tops Americans' Financial Resolutions for 2026
A new survey reveals paying off debt is the top financial resolution for 2026, with 25% of Americans prioritizing it. Here's what the data reveals about economic anxiety.