Small Business Optimism Rises 2.4 Points in March

The Small Business Optimism Index increased 2.4 points in March to a level of 98.2, the National Federation of Independent Business reports.

NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said businesses are doing better as COVID-19 restrictions ease, but finding qualified labor remains a “critical issue” for businesses nationwide, as 42% of owners reported job openings that could not be filled.

The NFIB Uncertainty Index increased 6 points in March to a level of 81, largely driven by uncertainty about whether owners should expand their business and make capital expenditures in the coming months. 

The full NFIB report can be found here.