Small biz confidence dips

Small business optimism was down but remained relatively strong in September, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

The Business Barometer index slipped 1.4 points from August’s 65.9, but September’s 64.5 score still counts as one of the better results for 2013.

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“Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta and Saskatchewan continue to lead the way in terms of small business confidence,” said Ted Mallett, CFIB’s chief economist and vice-president. “This seems to be one pattern we can depend on month after month.”

Small business confidence in Ontario had surged in recent months, peaking in August at 67.8. September saw confidence in Ontario drop sharply to 63.6. Drops were also seen in New Brunswick (55.5) and Prince Edward Island (47.6). Nova Scotia, Manitoba and British Columbia saw modest gains (61.6, 60.7 and 67.9 respectively), while Quebec’s score, while stable at 59.2, remained well below the national average.

The strongest sectors were health and education, the arts and wholesale, while transportation remained a weak point.

“The good news is that overall, the other indicators are stable,” added Mallett. “Hiring plans are typical for this time of year, 40% of small business owners report a generally good state of business, and orders and accounts receivables show gradual improvement. Price and wage expectations are stable, and there are no big shifts being reported in operating constraints or pricing pressures.”

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Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.