Small business optimism rose 0.5 points in August to 100.8, above the 51-year average of 98, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Optimism Index report.
The Uncertainty Index fell by 4 points to 93 in August.
“Optimism increased slightly in August with more owners reporting stronger sales expectations and improved earnings,” NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said in a statement. “While owners have cited an improvement in overall business health, labor quality remained the top issue on Main Street.”
The net percent of owners expecting higher sales volumes rose 6 points from July to August to a net 12%. This component contributed the most to the increase in the Optimism Index.
Read the full NFIB report here.
