Small business optimism slightly dipped in November. The Index declined 2.6 points to 104.8 with more than half the decline attributable to Expected Business Conditions and Expected Real Sales. The November reading continues the string of exceptionally strong readings that started with the 2016 election results. Labor markets remain extremely tight, with a record 25 percent of owners identifying the scarcity of qualified (not just “skilled”) labor as their top business problem. Capital spending and job creation plans improved. Job openings gained 6 points, although inventory investment plans faded. Expected real ... (full story)