United States Nfib Business Optimism Index

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index in the US increased to 93.7 in October 2024, the highest in three months, compared to 91.5 in September and much higher than forecasts of 91.9. “With the election over, small business owners will begin to feel less uncertain about future business conditions. Although optimism is on the rise on Main Street, small business owners are still facing unprecedented economic adversity. Low sales, unfilled jobs openings, and ongoing inflationary pressures continue to challenge our Main Streets, but owners remain hopeful as they head toward the holiday season”, said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. A net negative 20% of all owners reported higher nominal sales in the past three months, down three points from September and the lowest reading since July 2020. Also, the net percent of owners expecting higher real sales volumes rose five points to a net negative 4%, the highest reading of this year.

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index in the US increased to 91.5 in September 2024 from 91.2 in August, missing forecasts of 91.7. This was the 33rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index rose 11 points to 103, the highest reading recorded. Fifty-one percent of owners reported capital outlays in the last six months, down five points from August. Meanwhile, the number of owners reporting inventory gains fell four points to a net negative 13% (seasonally adjusted), the lowest reading since June 2020. “Small business owners are feeling more uncertain than ever,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Uncertainty makes owners hesitant to invest in capital spending and inventory, especially as inflation and financing costs continue to put pressure on their bottom lines. Although some hope lies ahead in the holiday sales season, many Main Street owners are left questioning whether future business conditions will improve.

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index in the US decreased to 91.2 in August 2024, the lowest in three months, compared to 93.7 in July and forecasts of 93.6. "Historically high inflation remains the top issue for owners as sales expectations plummet and cost pressures increase. Uncertainty among small business owners continues to rise as expectations for future business conditions worsen”, said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. Twenty-four percent of owners reported inflation as their single most important problem in operating their business, down one point from July. The net percent of owners expecting higher real sales volumes fell nine points to a net negative 18%. Also, a net 20% plan to raise compensation in the next three months, up two points from July. The net percent of owners raising average selling prices fell two points to a net 20%.