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NFIB small business economic trends
The Optimism Index increased 0.4 points in May to 89.4. This is the 17th consecutive month below the 49-year average of 98. The last time the Index was at or above the average was December 2021. Of the 10 index components, 4 increased, 5 decreased, and 1 was unchanged. While the Index changed little, Index components moved quite a bit. Twenty-five percent of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem in operating their business, up 2 points from last month and 12 points lower than last July’s highest reading since 1979 Q4. Owners expecting better business conditions over the next six ... (full story)