Episode Notes

Hey everybody, this is Gene Marks. And welcome to another episode of The Hartford's Small Biz Ahead podcast. Thanks for joining me. Hey, let's talk about the economy. I mean, I get this question asked to me all the time. If the economy is so bad, why are small businesses hiring? I mean, it seems like we're in a recession or at least some kind of a slowdown and we see the data. Let me give you some data. GDP gross domestic product has fallen for two quarters in a row and that's what most economic experts define a recession being. Industrial production, manufacturing demand, builder in housing markets, definitely in decline. Consumer confidence is down. Small business optimism, according to The National Federation of Independent Businesses is historically low. Consumer spending is relying on personal income and personal income has been stagnant over the past two years. And to add insult to injury stock indexes, right?