This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Small Business Economic Trends survey. The balloons, cake and streamers are ready for the party, but unfortunately small business owners are not in the mood to celebrate. The Optimism Index decreased 0.1 points in October to 90.7. This is the 22nd consecutive month below the 50-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, 2 decreased, and 3 were unchanged. Forty-three percent (seasonally adjusted) of all owners reported job openings they could not fill in the current period, unchanged ... (full story)