Small Business 11 February 2026 - 6 March 2026

Mastercard Incorporated launches AI ‘Virtual CFO’ for small businesses in new push beyond payments
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Mastercard Incorporated launches AI ‘Virtual CFO’ for small businesses in new push beyond payments

Mastercard on Tuesday launched Virtual C-Suite, an AI product for small businesses starting with a Virtual CFO, to be distributed this year through banks and software providers. The company said the tool will use data from 175 billion transactions processed in 2025 to analyze performance and recommend actions. Mastercard shares fell 0.6% in afternoon New York trading; Visa dropped 0.3%.
March 10, 2026
Intuit QuickBooks Index flags small-business job losses as U.S. payrolls report nears
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Intuit QuickBooks Index flags small-business job losses as U.S. payrolls report nears

U.S. small businesses cut 45,300 jobs in February and average inflation-adjusted revenue fell 1.03% to $53,580, according to Intuit’s QuickBooks Small Business Index. Leisure and hospitality lost 11,300 jobs. The index draws on data from over 533,000 businesses and is adjusted to reflect broader trends. The government’s official February jobs report is due March 6.
March 6, 2026
NFIB survey: US small-business optimism slips in January 2026 as uncertainty jumps, sales hopes rise
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NFIB survey: US small-business optimism slips in January 2026 as uncertainty jumps, sales hopes rise

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index slipped 0.2 point to 99.3 in January, while its uncertainty index jumped to 91. Sales expectations improved, but most other survey components weakened. Thirty-one percent of owners reported unfilled job openings, and 18% cited taxes as their top concern. Sixty percent made capital outlays in the past six months, but future spending plans softened.
February 11, 2026

Stock Market Today

  • PLS and PME Shares Spotlight: Growth Potential in ASX Stocks
    May 24, 2026, 10:58 PM EDT. The Pls Group Ltd (ASX:PLS) share price has surged 46.2% in 2025, driven by its lithium mining at Pilgangoora, the world's largest hard-rock operation. Pilbara Minerals benefits from rising demand for lithium, key for electric vehicles and renewable energy, though revenue remains sensitive to global commodity prices. Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX:PME), a radiology software provider, is 62.3% below its 52-week high. PME's products aid medical imaging efficiency remotely, supporting healthcare providers worldwide. PLS reported a revenue growth rate of 92.5% annually since 2021, reaching $1.254 billion in FY24, with net profit rising to $257 million and a 7.7% return on equity (ROE). PME posted 33.4% annual revenue growth to $162 million, net profit climbed to $83 million, and ROE stands at 50.7%. Both stocks merit watchlist consideration amid Australian market growth trends.