The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.3 in October to 93.1; the slight uptick in the reading did not seem to indicate a dramatic shift in owner sentiment over the course of the month. The survey, conducted before the presidential election, found that the percent of owners uncertain about whether business conditions will be better or worse in six months, was at a record high of 23%. This eclipsed the pre-recession record of 15% reached during the Carter Administration. NFIB’s forward labor market indicators weakened last month, and owner views of the future do not foresee much improvement in economic growth. ... (full story)