Economic Outlook Survey – Spring 2013
Business Owners’ Outlook Weakens for Hiring in the Aftermath of U.S. Government Actions
Pennsylvania Outlook – Spring 2013
Detailed National and Regional Findings
Key Findings:
The survey, which gauges the mood and sentiment of small and medium size business owners, found that as more owners report weak sales as their top challenge, only one in seven business owners are planning to hire in the next six months. Only two in five business owners think the federal government could take any actions that would positively influence their hiring plans.
- Only 48 percent of business owners expect their sales to increase in the next six months, similar to last fall (46 percent), but lower than a year ago (59 percent).
- Profits are expected to increase for 37 percent of respondents, down slightly from last fall (38 percent) and a year ago (43 percent).
- Only 15 percent plan to add new employees, lower than 23 percent last fall and a year ago (28 percent).
Fiscal Cliff Deal Expected to Hurt Business Finances:
Just under half (44 percent) expect the American Tax Payer Relief Act to have a negative impact on their business.
Sincerely,
PNC Business Banking