Canada’s CFIB Business Barometer long-term index, which reflects twelve-month expectations among small businesses, increased by 7.3 points to 47.3 in June 2025, from 40 in the previous month. This marked the highest level since February, driven by stronger expectations among both exporters, whose confidence climbed to 36.1 from 26.4 in May, and importers, whose outlook rose to 37.4 from 28.9. At the same time, businesses not engaged in international trade reported improved sentiment, with the index rising to 43.4 from 34.2. Despite the growing optimism, hiring intentions remain subdued. Full-time staffing plans show little momentum, indicating limited interest in expanding payrolls, while part-time employment trends also remain soft, reflecting cautious hiring behavior. Meanwhile, the short-term index, which measures three-month expectations, rose to 47.7 in June from 42.4 in the preceding month.
