U.S. Small-Business Optimism Climbs to Second Highest on Record
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A gauge of optimism among U.S. small-business owners increased to the second highest on record as companies benefited from tax cuts and robust consumer demand, a National Federation of Independent Business survey showed Tuesday.
Small-business sentiment is near a record as the economic expansion enters a 10th year, indicating that consumers and businesses will help power growth in the third quarter. Deregulation and tax cuts have helped boost attitudes, though tight labor markets and scarce workers are prompting companies to cite a lack of skilled employees as a top concern.