Business Barometer, February 2021

Both long-term and short-term small business sentiment took an upturn in February as vaccines roll out, and early Spring expectations are high.

CFIB's Business Barometer® index, which is based on 12-month forward expectations for business performance, reached 62.5—one of the best readings in more than one year. The more immediate optimism index based on a 3-month outlook gained some traction too and reached 42.0. 

Operating capacity increased marginally at 60.6 per cent. About one fifth of businesses are still barely operating (30 per cent capacity or less). Business in arts and recreation, and in the hospitality sectors remain far below their normal operating capacity...

Read the February Business Barometer®