RSM Reports Middle Market Business Index for Q1

From OMA Connections Partner: “The RSM US Middle Market Business Index tumbled in the first quarter to 124.1 from 132. The decline in both current conditions and the expected outlook for the economy and capital expenditures should be interpreted by policymakers as a signal that the “uncertainty tax” generated by the direction of U.S. trade policy and recent volatility in financial markets has spilled over into the real economy.

“While we are not suggesting that an end to the current business cycle—which is approaching the longest-running economic expansion in post-World War II U.S. history—is imminent, but the probability of one has increased due to the uncertainty that lingers in the economy.

“Despite the souring economic outlook and modest deterioration in revenues and profits during the current quarter, middle market businesses expect improvement in the next six months with 62 percent expecting revenues to increase and 60 percent anticipating a rise in net earnings.”