Small Business Optimism Hit Record High in August
Washington, DC, September 11, 2018-The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index soared to 108.8 in August, a new record in the survey’s 45-year history, topping the July 1983 high-water mark of 108.
The record-breaking figure is driven by small business owners executing on the plans they’ve put in place due to dramatic changes in the nation’s economic policy.
The August survey showed:
* Job creation plans and unfilled job openings both set new records.
* The percentage of small business owners saying it is a good time to expand tied the May 2018 all-time high.
* Inventory investment plans were the strongest since 2005 and capital spending plans the highest since 2007.
A net 10% of all owners (seasonally adjusted) reported higher nominal sales in the past three months compared to the prior three months, up two points. August is the ninth consecutive strong month of reported sales gains after years of low or negative numbers. The net percent of owners planning to build inventories rose six points to a record net 10%, the 14th positive reading in the past 22 months. The frequency of reports of positive profit trends rose two points to a net one percent reporting quarter on quarter profit improvements, the second highest reading in the survey’s 45-year history.