Franchise InsiderAccording to a national survey of American companies, 39% of businesses expect hiring will increase within the next 6 months for their company and industry. The National Association of Business Economics survey is showing improvements from the 27% of positive responses from this January. The survey also showed that 44% of company respondents expect an increase in wages and salaries, up from 26% in January.
Tagged: economic news, hiring, salariesSBA Reports Record Lending
The Small Business Administration has set record level lending for 2011. There were a reported 62,000 loans approved for the year. This means a record of almost $31 billion was loaned out to small businesses throughout the U.S.
Tagged: economic news, SBA, small business lendingRecall: Sakar Battery Chargers
The CPSC and Sakar International have issued a recall for two models of battery chargers. The charger’s energized components can be exposed and become a shock hazard. The recall is in effect for approximately 4,000 units.
Tagged: CPSC, recall, shock hazardFranchise Lending Steadily Increasing
The International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Franchise Lending Index showed a 10.56% increase in loans from February of 2011 to February of 2012. This shows renewed access to credit for individuals purchasing or expanding a franchise. The data points to a positive upswing in the availability of loans to potential franchisees.
Tagged: economic news, franchising, lendingMarch Employment Showed Healthy Gains
The Wall Street Journal reports that 209,000 private sector employees were hired in March of 2012. January and February also saw improvement in these numbers showing steady growth for this year’s job market. During the past 12 months The U.S. has seen 2 million workers employed by private businesses.
Tagged: economic news, jobsEconomic Conditions Improving With Consumer Spending
According to Bloomberg News an increase in consumer purchases is aiding the American economy and its recovery. The Commerce Department revealed a 0.8% rise in purchases during the month of February. This outpaces previous economic estimates for the same month. Factors, such as, employment gains are helping US businesses gain a firmer footing and allowing the economy to make gains.
Tagged: consumer spending, economic newsRecall: Viking Dishwashers
The CPSC and Viking Range have issued a recall for several models of dishwashers. The dishwasher’s electrical component can overheat and become a fire hazard. The recall is in effect for approximately 2,000 units.
Tagged: CPSC, fire hazard, recallNAHB Projects Growth In Housing Sector
Economists working with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) are looking to an improved housing market in the coming years. Several economic factors are pointing to an upturn:
- Mortgage rates are expected to stay below 5% until the end of 2013
- An improvement in house price to income ratio that is more sustainable
- New home sales are projected to increase from 305,000 units (2011) to 505,000 units (2013)
- Single family home sales are expected to rise from 3.8 million (2011) to 5.4 million (2013)
- Growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to increase from 2.6% (2012) to 3.3% (2013)
These factors show an increasingly optimistic view on the American housing market. With an improving economy aided by a stouter stock market, and rising average household income and employment numbers, the market is looking to make strides.
Tagged: economic news, housing marketRecall: Westinghouse Lighting Ceiling Fans
The CPSC and Westinghouse Lighting have issued a recall for some of its 24, 3o and 42 inch blade diameter ceiling fans. The 60 watt bulbs that come with the fans can exceed the unit’s maximum wattage and overheat, becoming a fire and shock hazard. The recall is in effect for approximately 7,000 units sold in the United States.
Tagged: CPSC, fire hazard, recall, shock hazard
RSS