Why You Might Be Seeing a Raise

Joe Weisenthal discusses indicators of potential wage raises, focusing on the NFIB small business optimism survey. The survey shows a significant increase in businesses planning to raise wages, the highest since the financial crisis. By comparing this with the Employment Cost Index, which measures the cost of employing workers, a leading effect is observed. This suggests that wages and benefits are likely to increase soon, providing good news for workers expecting raises.

What is the NFIB Small Business Optimism Survey used to assess?

• Future compensation plans by small businesses

• The overall economic growth

• Consumer spending habits

• The stock market trends

What does the blue line in the survey results indicate?

• A drop in consumer confidence

• A rise in businesses planning wage hikes

• An increase in small business profits

• A decrease in employment rates

How is the Employment Cost Index related to the survey results?

• It measures the number of new businesses

• It tracks the cost of employing workers

• It predicts stock market performance

• It assesses consumer spending

What does the leading effect between the survey and the Employment Cost Index suggest?

• A stable employment cost

• A decline in business optimism

• A decrease in future wages

• An upcoming increase in wages and benefits

What is the expected outcome if the Employment Cost Index jumps up soon?

• A decrease in business investments

• A reduction in employee benefits

• An increase in unemployment

• A rise in wages and benefits