The February NFIB Small Business Optimism report was released today, March 14, 2022. The headline of the Economic Trends report is “Main Street: Expectations for Better Business Conditions Remain Low.”
The Index of Small Business Optimism increased by .6 points to 90.9.
Here is an excerpt that I find particularly notable (but don’t necessarily agree with):
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased 0.6 points in February to 90.9 but remains below the 49-year average of 98. Twenty-eight percent of owners reported inflation as their single most important business problem, up two points from last month. Owners expecting better business conditions over the next six months deteriorated two points from January to a net negative 47%.
Below is a chart of the NFIB Small Business Optimism chart, as seen in the full February 2023 NFIB Small Business Economic Trends (pdf) report:
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The Special Note summarizes my overall thoughts about our economic situation
SPX at 3929.51 as this post is written