NFIB reported on 13 October that its September Small Business Optimism Index fell 0.8 points to 97.9, slightly below the LongA position that benefits if price rises. Think: buy first, then hope the market climbs.Read More-term average of 98.0. Its Uncertainty Index increased one point to 90. Labor quality or availability remained owners’ leading concern, while 20% identified InflationA broad rise in prices that reduces money’s purchasing power. Central banks watch inflation because it affects interest-rate decisions.Read More as their biggest problem. Only 7% considered it a good time to expand, down five points from August.
U.S. small-business optimism fell 0.8 points to 97.9 in September, slipping just below the long-term average of 98.0, according to the NFIB. Rising uncertainty, higher costs, interest rates and difficulties finding qualified workers weighed on confidence, while business owners also reported weaker sales and reduced expansion plans.
