NFIB small-business optimism index rose 2.4 points to 99.8 in July, the highest
reading since Aug 2025. Eight of 10 subcomponents increased, two declined;
hiring plans improved most and contributed the most to the index gain. NFIB
chief economist Bill Dunkelberg said optimism rose as the share of owners
expecting to hire climbed and capex plans strengthened, though uncertainty
remains. Looking ahead, 20% of owners plan to add jobs in the next three months,
25% plan capex in the next six months, and 14% view inf as their biggest
business problem.
