The Index of Small Business Optimism was basically unchanged in September, rising only 0.2 points, this after an August gain of only 0.5 points. So the Index remains stuck at a below average reading of 96.1. Owners didn’t seem to be overly concerned about the antics of the stock market, as optimism did not fall. However financial markets did not offer any encouragement to owners, instead providing volatility that only a trader could like. This produces uncertainty. LABOR MARKETS Overall, a solid improvement in hiring activity. There was no evidence in the NFIB data that job creation slacked off sharply from June and ... (full story)