Small Business Optimism Held Steady in December

Washington, DC, January 8, 2019-The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index remained basically unchanged in December, drifting down 0.4 points to 104.4. 

Unfilled jobs and the lack of qualified applicants continue to be a primary driver, with job openings setting a record high and job creation plans strengthening. 

Reports of higher worker compensation remained near record levels and inventory investment plans surged. 

Expected real sales growth and expected business conditions in the next six months, however, accounted for the modest decline in the Index.