Small Business Optimism Remains Steadily Above Historical Average
The January Small Business Economic Trends report includes the new NFIB Small Business Employment Index. Learn more about the new data and 2026 outlook for small businesses.
NEW NFIB SURVEY: Small Business Optimism Remains Above 52-Year Average
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 10, 2026) – The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 0.2 points in January to 99.3 and remained above its 52-year average of 98. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, three increased and seven decreased. Expected real sales volume was the only component with substantial chan
NFIB Jobs Report: New Small Business Employment Index Shows Balanced Job Market
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 5, 2026) – NFIB’s January Jobs Report includes the launch of the new Small Business Employment Index, which measures the current state of the small business labor market. The new index integrates actual and planned changes in employment and employee compensation into a singula
Small Business Optimism Continues to Rise in December
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index continues to rise, increasing 0.5 points in December to 99.5, above the historical average. Taxes are now the top problem for Main Street.
New Jersey Capitol Update
Outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy signs expanded Paid Family Leave mandate into law
VIDEO: NFIB’s Holly Wade Analyzes End-of-Year SBET Survey on Bloomberg: The Close
Executive Director Holly Wade joined Romaine Bostick and David Gura on Bloomberg: The Close to discuss the most recent Small Business Optimism Index.
NEW NFIB SURVEY: Small Business Optimism Continues to Rise
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.5 points in December to 99.5 and remained above its 52-year average of 98.
NFIB Jobs Report: Owners Report Mixed Employment Conditions
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 8, 2026) – NFIB’s December jobs report found that 33% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in December, unchanged from November. Unfilled job openings remain above the historical average of 24%. Twenty-eight percent have open
The Inflation Conundrum
Inflation under the Biden administration raised the Consumer Price Index by 20% (cumulative). The inflation rate has fallen significantly (currently at 3.0%), but overall prices have not fallen to pre-2021 levels. That would probably require a significant economic slowdown or recession. Some prices
Affordability: What does that mean?
“Affordability” is gearing up to be the top 2026 mid-term election issue that will dominate the airwaves. But what exactly is that? What does it mean? What are the politicians seeking office going to promise? Affordability is dependent on two things: the prices of goods and services, and the income