United States NFIB Business Optimism Index

Last Release

Aug 31, 2024

Actual

91.2

Units In

Points

93.7

Frequency

Monthly

Next Release

Oct 08, 2024

Time to Release

26 Days 2 Hours

Highest	Lowest	Average	Date Range	Source
108.8 Aug 2018	80.1 Apr 1980	97.96 Points	1975-2024	National Federation of Independent Business

NFIB Small Business Optimism Index is a composite of ten seasonally adjusted components calculated based on the answers of around 620 NFIB members. This questions include: plans to increase employment, plans to make capital outlays, plans to increase inventories, expect economy to improve, expect real sales higher, current inventory, current job openings, expected credit conditions, now a good time to expand, and earnings trend.

Latest Updates

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%.