The Optimism Index increased 0.9 of a point in July to 91.9. Despite its improvement, this is the 19th 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, 5 increased, 1 decreased, and 4 were unchanged. Twenty-one percent of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem in operating their business, down 3 points from last month and 13 points lower than last July’s highest reading since 1979 Q4. July’s reading was the lowest since November 2021. Owners expecting better business conditions over the ... (full story)