This week is significant for various business events and economic indicators that will offer insights into the current state of the economy.

One of the highlights is the release of the small business economic trends index from the National Federation of Independent Business, scheduled for Tuesday. This monthly report reflects the outlook of small enterprises regarding the U.S. economy and their individual business futures. After a modest gain the month prior, the index grew again in October, suggesting a positive sentiment among small business owners.

Here are the recent monthly readings of the NFIB small business index:
– May: 90.5
– June: 91.5
– July: 93.7
– August: 91.2
– September: 91.5
– October: 93.7

On Wednesday, the Labor Department plans to release its consumer price index (CPI) report for November. Economists anticipate that inflation remained largely stable compared to October, when it saw an increase to 2.6%. This uptick was primarily influenced by rising costs in housing, used vehicles, and airfare, indicating a potential stabilization in price increases following their dip in September to the slowest rate observed since 2021.

The projected annual percent change for the CPI during the last five months is as follows:
– June: 3.0
– July: 2.9
– August: 2.5
– September: 2.4
– October: 2.6
– November (estimated): 2.6

Additionally, the Labor Department will unveil the producer price index (PPI) on Thursday, which gauges inflation from a wholesale perspective, prior to the impact on consumer pricing. Economists are predicting an increase in wholesale prices last month, reflecting a faster rate than October.

The annual percent change in the producer price index over recent months shows:
– June: 2.9
– July: 2.4
– August: 2.0
– September: 1.9
– October: 2.4
– November (estimated): 2.6

These upcoming economic reports are essential for understanding current trends and potential shifts in the business climate.