NFIB Optimism Index showed small businesses were thriving but NFIB Research Center continues monitoring coronavirus impact. Small business owners expressed slightly higher levels of optimism in February with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Optimism Index moving up 0.2 points to 104.5, a reading among the top 10 percent in the 46-year history of […]

Report sees largest increase in owners who expect better business conditions in more than a year. National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reports small business optimism posted the largest month-over-month gain since May 2018, rising 2.3 points to 104.7 in November. The exceptional Optimism Index reading was bolstered by seven of the 10 Index components […]

Eight of 10 components improved in monthly NFIB study. The small business half of the economy continued its remarkable economic streak, posting a 0.6 point gain in the October National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Optimism Index. The 102.4 reading was buoyed by eight of the 10 Index components advancing, as talk of a recession […]

Optimism remains near historic high levels. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) small business Optimism Index maintained a historically solid reading, but took a dip in September, falling 1.3 points to 101.8. September’s figure falls within the top 20% of all readings in the Index’s 46-year history. The survey shows no sign of a […]

Predictions of looming recession weigh on outlook. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index fell 1.6 points to 103.1, remaining within the top 15 percent of readings. Overall, August was a good month for small business. However, optimism slipped because fewer owners said they expect better business conditions and real sales […]

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index defied expectations with increase. Optimism among small business owners bounced back in July as expectations for business conditions, real sales, and expansion made solid gains. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.4 points to 104.7, with seven of 10 components advancing, two falling, […]

According to the latest National Federation of Independent Business survey, small business owners’ expectations for sales, business conditions, and expansion all rose in May. Small business optimism eclipsed pre-government shutdown levels, increasing 1.5 points to 105.0 in May. Six components in the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index improved, three were […]

NFIB Index remains at historically high level. More than 60 percent of small business owners reported capital spending. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index increased 0.1 points to 101.8 in March, a historically strong level and an indication that small businesses continue to power the economy after being briefly shaken […]

Optimism returning to more normal levels as owners express uncertainty about the future. The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index slipped 3.2 points in January, as owners continued hiring and investing, but expressed rising concern about future economic growth. The 101.2 reading, the lowest since the weeks leading up to the 2016 elections, remains well above […]

According to the NFIB report, demand for workers remains a constraint for growth. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index remained basically unchanged in December, drifting down 0.4 points to 104.4.. Unfilled jobs and the lack of qualified applicants continue to be a primary driver, with job openings setting a record […]