The NFIB small business optimism index fell 1.1 points to 98.7 in August, the National Federation of Independent Business said; the reading remains above its 52-year average and follows July’s level, which had reached the highest since August 2025. NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg said small-business owners are facing weak sales, supply-chain disruptions and inflationary pressure. The NFIB uncertainty index eased 2 points to 89 in August but remains elevated versus the historical average of

The NFIB small business optimism index fell 1.1 points to 98.7 in August, the National Federation of Independent Business said; the reading remains above its 52-year average and follows July’s level, which had reached the highest since August 2025. NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg said small-business owners are facing weak sales, supply-chain disruptions and inflationary pressure. The NFIB uncertainty index eased 2 points to 89 in August but remains elevated versus the historical average of 68. Small firms account for nearly half of U.S. private-sector employment.