US July NFIB small business optimism index 100.3 vs 98.6 expected | investingLive

• Prior 98.6

Contributing most to the rise in the Optimism Index were respondents
reporting better business conditions and reporting that it is a good
time to expand. In contrast to the Optimism Index, the Uncertainty Index
increased by eight points from June to 97. Twenty-one percent of small
business owners reported labor quality as their single most important
problem, up five points from June and ranking as the top problem.

NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg says: “Optimism rose slightly in July with owners reporting more positive
expectations on business conditions and expansion opportunities. While
uncertainty is still high, the next six months will hopefully offer
business owners more clarity, especially as owners see the results of
Congress making the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent and the final
shape of trade policy. Meanwhile, labor quality has become the top
issue on Main Street again.”