NFIB Small Business Optimism – November 2018

The November NFIB Small Business Optimism report was released today, December 11, 2018. The headline of the Economic Trends report is “Small Business Optimism Remains Historically HIgh In November.”

The Index of Small Business Optimism decreased in November by 2.6 points to 104.8.

Here is an excerpt that I find particularly notable (but don’t necessarily agree with):

Small business optimism posted a modest decline in November with a reading of 104.8, while continuing its exceptionally strong two-year trend, according to the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Slightly more than half of the decline was attributable to Expected Business Conditions and Expected Real Sales. Increases in compensation tied a near 30-year high as owners seek to attract more qualified candidates. An increasing percentage of owners reported capital outlays and higher sales.

Here is a chart of the NFIB Small Business Optimism chart, as seen in the December 11 Doug Short post titled “NFIB Small Business Survey…“:

NFIB Small Business Optimism Survey

Further details regarding small business conditions can be seen in the full November 2018 NFIB Small Business Economic Trends (pdf) report.

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The Special Note summarizes my overall thoughts about our economic situation

SPX at 2646.95 as this post is written