Optimism Among Small Businesses Jumps to Highest Since 1983
Optimism among small companies in the U.S. advanced last month to the highest level in more than 34 years as owners became more upbeat about future economic conditions and sales prospects, according to a National Federation of Independent Business survey released Dec. 12.
Highlights of Small-Business Optimism for November
• Index rose by 3.7 points to 107.5 (estimated 104), highest in monthly data back to 1986; highest since the third-quarter of 1983 when looking at earlier quarterly figures.
• Net 48% expect better business conditions in next six months, biggest share since January and up from 32% a month earlier.
• Net 34% expect higher sales, largest share since Oct. 2005 and up from 21% in Sept.
Key Takeaways
The small-business optimism index showed all but two of the 10 components increased from a month earlier, including a record net 24% share of small-business owners who said they plan to add jobs.
Construction, manufacturing and professional services registered notable increases in planned hiring. The figures indicate the recent solid pace of job growth will be sustained and help extend the economic expansion.
Other Details
• Share of NFIB respondents who say it’s a good time to expand rose to 27% from 23%.
• Plans to add to inventories rose to a net 7% from 4%.
• NFIB survey of member firms through Nov. 30 based on 544 respondents.
