Small-business optimism slips in August as economic expectations cool
NFIB’s national index remained above its historical average, while 35% of surveyed owners reported job openings they could not fill.
Small-business optimism declined in August as owners lowered their expectations for the economy, according to a national survey released Sept. 8 by the National Federation of Independent Business.
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 1.1 points to 98.7, remaining above its 52-year average of 98.0. The net share of owners expecting better business conditions declined five points to 10%.
Hiring challenges persisted. Thirty-five percent of owners reported openings they could not fill, down one percentage point from July. Among those hiring or trying to hire, 82% reported few or no qualified applicants.
“Main Street owners remain largely positive in the health of their own businesses,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg.
Sixty-eight percent of owners rated their businesses’ health as good or excellent. The findings reflect an August survey of NFIB members nationwide.
