4Q 2017 Middle Market Indicator
Revenue Growth Remains Strong; Employment Growth Moderates
75%
5.4%
Revenue growth continues to remain strong and is up from one year ago (6.9%).
Compared to 70% in 4Q'16
of middle market companies report increased revenue over the past 12 months
Next 12 months projection
7.6%
Growth over
the past 12 months
Accelerated Revenue Growth
52%
3.7%
The rate of employment growth has fallen slightly, but still remains well above the 6-year average of 3.9%
Compared to 44% in 4Q'16
of middle market companies report year-over-year employment growth over the past 12 months
Next 12 months projection
5.2%
Growth over
the past 12 months
Employment Growth Slows
4Q'16 | 86%
4Q'16 | 65%
4Q'16 | 81%
Local Economy
88%
National Economy
86%
Global Economy
75%
Confidence remains near peak levels across the local, national and global economies.
Confidence Near Peak Levels
69%
Compared to 65%
in 4Q'16
Will invest
The majority of middle market companies would invest extra cash, especially in CapEx like plants or equipment and information technology.
Most Companies Plan To Invest
108
1Q'17
80
4Q'17
91
2Q'17
91
3Q'17
The decline in the short-term index (calculated by net positive change in sales, business climate, and demand) is being driven primarily by a dip in expected sales over the next three months.
Short Term Index Dips Slightly