Small Business Optimism Continued to Soar in September

Washington, DC, October 9, 2018-The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index continued its historic 23-month positive trend, with a reading of 107.9 in September, the third highest reading in the survey’s 45-year history. 

In the small business half of the economy, 2018 has produced 45-year record high measures of job openings, hiring plans, actual job creation, compensation increases (actual and planned), profit growth, and inventory investment.

The September 2018 survey showed:

* Actual capital spending in the past few months rose significantly.

* Average employment change per firm was solid.

* Owners bulked up inventories.

* Compensation increases set a new record.

Actual investment spending improved as prospects for the economy remain strong. Sixty percent of owners reported capital outlays, up four points from August. Of those making expenditures, 41% reported spending on new equipment (up two points), 26% acquired vehicles (up four points), and 16% improved or expanded facilities (down two points).