China: PBOC Q3 Surveys: Loan demand and business conditions marginally better, employment sentiment weak but households want to Bottom line: PBOC released its Q3 surveys of bank loan officers, enterprises, and urban depositors on October 24. The latest data paint a mixed picture, with credit demand and business conditions improving marginally while household price expectations and employment sentiment declining further. PBOC's bank survey suggests loan demand edged up in Q3, and loan approvals remained flat ...

Small Business Optimism - The NFIB small business optimism index increased by 3 points in May, marking the first improvement this year, driven by improved expectations for business conditions and sales growth [2][3] - The index is now above the 51-year average, indicating increased comfort among small business owners regarding the economy's current and near-term prospects [3][4] Taxation Concerns - 18% of small business owners cited taxes as their most important problem in May, a level last seen in December 2020 [4] - Small business owners are concerned about the potential tax increase if the 20% small business deduction is not passed by the end of the year [6][7] Labor Market Dynamics - Labor market pressures have eased slightly, with fewer small business owners feeling pressure to hire or retain employees [8][9] - 16% of small business owners are saying that labor is their single biggest problem [9] - Industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation are still experiencing pressure in filling open positions [10] - Small business owners in industries with higher levels of undocumented workers are feeling pressure and concern due to immigration crackdowns, emphasizing the need for a legal hiring system [11]