On the program today, why and how consumers and businesses are feeling so very differently

about this economy?

From American public media, this is Market Flags.

In Los Angeles, I'm Kai Rizdole.

It is Tuesday.

Today, the 12th of September, good as always to have you along, everybody.

We started things off yesterday with Kristin Schwab, telling us about consumers.

How consumers are feeling specifically, which turns out to be all-in-all, pretty positive.

Today, businesses, and who-boy is the story different there?

The National Federation of Independent Business was out with its small business optimism index

this morning, not so much optimism.

In August for the 20th straight month, business owners scored their outlook as below average.

In other words, they are mostly pessimistic about the future.

How come?

Here is Kristin Schwab, one more time.

Do you know anyone who makes crushed sandwich cookies?

Because Judy Harrell's looking for suppliers.

I've tried every distributor from here to Timbuktu.

Harrell needs them for her ice cream shop in North Hampton, Massachusetts.

She says she's still dealing with supply chain issues, so she's been driving nearly

two hours each way to pick up cookies from the closest producer.

Another item on our list, black raspberries, a key ingredient in many of her signature

...