The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased 2.4 points in July to 99.8, rising above its 52-year average of 98, the National Federation of Independent Business said today. The Uncertainty Index rose two points from June to 91, remaining well above its historical average of 68.
Twenty-seven percent of small business owners cited “labor quality or availability” as their single most important problem in July, up eight points from June and 15 points above the historical average of 12%, according to NFIB. Reports of inflation as the single most important problem fell for the first time this year, with 14% of business owners citing it as their single most important business problem.
