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.