Small businesses

Alternet -   During Donald Trump's 2024 campaign, his supporters repeatedly praised him as "pro-business" and argued that he understood the challenges small businesses face. But almost 18 months into Trump's second presidency, according to New York Times reporter Sydney Ember, small business owners are feeling increasingly frustrated and pessimistic.

"The months-long war with Iran pushed up the cost of fuel and other materials," Ember reports in the Times. "Inflation has accelerated. The prospect of further interest rate cuts before the end of the year is dimming. Even as large corporations are posting solid earnings and the stock market is booming, small-business sentiment has plummeted in recent months. Lacking the funds to withstand an onslaught of financial gyrations, many smaller companies are instead rethinking their hiring and pausing any plans to expand — again."

The Times reporter continues, "The National Federation of Independent Business reported, in May, its lowest measure of economic expectations since Mr. Trump was elected to his second term. The Bank of America Institute reported that small-business profitability in April grew at its slowest pace in two years. Job openings at small companies have flatlined. On Sunday, Mr. Trump and Iranian officials announced a preliminary deal to end the war, though the economic consequences will probably linger for some time."