Small business optimism increased by 0.3 points in September, measuring 91.5 points, the 33rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Optimism Index report.
The survey found 34% of business owners reported job openings they couldn’t fill—that’s down six percentage points from August and the lowest reading since January 2021.
September’s job opening readings are historically strong and the month-over-month decline extends a downward trend in openings that started in mid-2022, according to NFIB.
The difficulty filling positions is particularly felt in the construction industry, where 53% of businesses reported having jobs they couldn’t fill.
The full report can be found here.
