US October NFIB small business optimism index 93.7 vs 91.5 prior

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose by 2.2 points in October to
93.7. This is the 34th consecutive month below the 50-year average of
98. The Uncertainty Index rose seven points to 110, the highest reading
recorded. A seasonally adjusted net negative 20% of small business
owners reported higher nominal sales in the past three months, the
lowest reading since July 2020.

“With the election over, small business owners will begin to feel less uncertain about future business conditions,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg.
“Although optimism is on the rise on Main Street, small business owners
are still facing unprecedented economic adversity. Low sales, unfilled
jobs openings, and ongoing inflationary pressures continue to challenge
our Main Streets, but owners remain hopeful as they head toward the
holiday season.”