US September NFIB small enterprise optimism index 91.5 vs 91.2 prior

• NFIB small business optimism index 91.5 vs 91.2 prior

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose by 0.3 points in September
to 91.5. This is the 33rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of
98. The Uncertainty Index rose 11 points to 103, the highest reading
recorded. Fifty-one percent of owners reported capital outlays in the
last six months, down five points from August. Meanwhile, the number of
owners reporting inventory gains fell four points to a net negative 13%
(seasonally adjusted), the lowest reading since June 2020.

“Small business owners are feeling more uncertain than ever,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg.
“Uncertainty makes owners hesitant to invest in capital spending and
inventory, especially as inflation and financing costs continue to put
pressure on their bottom lines. Although some hope lies ahead in the
holiday sales season, many Main Street owners are left questioning
whether future business conditions will improve.”