From the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased 1.3 points in July
The Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.3 points to 95.4. After giving up over 4 points in June, the Index clawed back 1.3 points in July, a familiar theme now, which has produced the most grudging gains in the Index’s history – and still not above the 42 year average of 98. …
Job creation was flat in July. On balance, owners added a net 0.05 workers per firm in recent months, better than June’s -0.01 reading, but still close to the zero line.
emphasis added
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This graph shows the small business optimism index since 1986.
The index increased to 95.4 in July from 94.1 in June.