Principal Financial Group® today released findings from the Principal Financial Well-Being Index, an annual survey of America’s small to mid-sized business owners. The survey shows a record 58 percent are feeling optimistic about the economic outlook for 2018. This positive sentiment has been trending upward since 2012.

Ninety-two percent of business owners feel their business’ financial health is growing or stable, and 81 percent feel they’re personally financially healthy. Additionally, business owners continue to hire, as 67 percent have added staff over the past year. That said, younger business owners are the most likely to hire: an overwhelming 84 percent of millennials added employees in the last 12 months, compared to only 70 percent of Gen-Xers or 49 percent of boomers.

“This is an impressive uptick in optimism, as only 26 percent of small to mid-sized business owners were optimistic five years ago,” said Amy Friedrich, president of the U.S. insurance division at Principal®. “It’s encouraging to see that business owners still feel confident, and they’re proving this with the investments they’re making.”

Some other tell-tale signs that optimism is strong:

  • 84% believe they’re making good progress toward achieving long-term financial goals
  • 73% are extremely happy with their current financial well-being
  • 72% report having surplus capital
  • 72% feel adequately protected against risk events

“I think the recovery from the economic ugliness in 2015 and early 2016 caused by the dollar’s surge and oil’s price collapse is dissipating. And with it, some of the leftover fear and dread of relapse that lasted so long after the financial crisis is also clearly fading,” said Bob Baur, chief global economist at Principal. “Consumers and businesses were living in the shadow of the financial crisis for seven or eight years. Now, it’s going away.”

Business is booming, but women are cautious

While 94 percent of male business owners were likely to categorize their business as growing or stable, only 89 percent of female owners agreed. Women were more likely than their male counterparts to say their business is struggling to stay afloat (6 percent vs. 1 percent). Female business owners are also more likely to say health care costs will have the greatest impact on their business decisions (23 percent) compared to male business owners (13 percent.)

“It’s interesting for us to see that among all the optimism, women are a bit less positive than men,” added Friedrich. “It’s no surprise to anyone that men and women approach problems differently. Time will tell whether that sentiment represents more realism or more caution.”

About the Principal Financial Well-Being Index

The Principal Financial Well-Being Index: Business Owners surveyed 639 business owners nationwide that employ 10 to 500 American workers. This group owns at least 5 percent of a company that they’re actively involved in managing and are not in business of government or not-for profit organizations (such as agencies, school districts, community owned hospitals, or public universities). The Index is part of a series of studies commissioned by The Principal Knowledge Center examining the financial well-being of American workers and business owners. The survey was conducted online by Harris Poll® from July 18-August 7, 2017.

About Principal®

Principal helps people and companies around the world build, protect and advance their financial well-being through retirement, insurance and asset management solutions that fit their lives. Our employees are passionate about helping clients of all income and portfolio sizes achieve their goals – offering innovative ideas, investment expertise and real-life solutions to make financial progress possible. To find out more, visit us at principal.com.

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