nfib

The National Federation of Independent Business’ latest survey finds small business owners uncertain about broader economic conditions, but optimistic about their own firms.

More of them are telling the National Federation of Independent Business that they’re looking to hire, and that finding the right people to hire is difficult.

The September National Federation of Independent Business survey saw its sentiment index rise 0.3 points, but it was still well below the historic average.

Optimism has increased, but it’s still below a 50-year average, a National Federation of Independent Business survey shows.

The NFIB reports a spike in its uncertainty index, perhaps triggered by thrifty consumers and the upcoming election.

The National Association of Independent Business’s small business optimism index has been below its historical average for nearly two years.

In August, for the 20th straight month, business owners scored their outlook below average.

When it comes to sales, inventory, hiring, credit conditions and more, small business owners are wary.

Owners expect lower sales and worse business conditions in the coming months, reflected in the NFIB’s declining optimism index.

And the percentage of owners expecting better conditions fell to the lowest level since November 2013, the NFIB finds.