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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

NFIB: Small Business Optimism Index increases in February, Still Low

by Calculated Risk on 3/12/2013 09:08:00 AM

From the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): Small Business Confidence Improves a Bit

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased 1.9 points in February to 90.8. While a nice improvement over the last several reports, the Index remains on par with the 2008 average and below the trough of the 1991-92 and 2001-02 recessions. The direction of February’s change is positive, but not indicative of a surge in confidence among small-business owners. ...

Weak sales is still the top business problem for 18% of owners.
Small Business Optimism Index Click on graph for larger image.

This graph shows the small business optimism index since 1986. The index increased to 90.8 in February from 88.9 in January.

Note: Small businesses have a larger percentage of real estate and retail related companies than the overall economy.  Lack of demand remains the main problem for small business owners.