The numbers: Small-business owners grew more uncertain in October about the path of the economy, a new survey shows, amid a record surge in coronavirus cases right before the presidential election.
Yet the record wave of coronavirus cases and heavily contested presidential election also unnerved business owners. What happened: Profits improved again in October and many small businesses expect sales to pick in the next several months. Some companies are also restocking goods, hiring more workers and even planning to increase investment.
The coronavirus still poses the biggest risk in light of record increase in cases that could trigger more government limits on business. Even a partial reinstatement of restrictions could be harmful, especially after the end of a federal program in July that provided struggling small businesses with a financial lifeline.
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