WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 16, 2026) – NFIB Research Center Executive Director Holly Wade joined Kristen Scholer on NYSE Live to discuss June’s Small Business Optimism Index and the current state of the Main Street economy.

Wade analyzed NFIB’s June SBET survey, explaining what factors contributed to the increased optimism among small businesses.

Watch Wade’s full interview here.

“So yes, small business optimism did improve in June. It was mostly contributed by increased expectations for business conditions, improved expectations for business conditions over the next six months and also improved sales expectations. So, those were the two largest contributors to the Index. On the downside, though, we did see an erosion of earnings. So, that is likely a function of small business owners still having to absorb those higher fuel prices and then trying to figure out the best scenario in passing along those costs to their customers.”

[…]

“So interestingly, we did see a bump in those saying that they plan on future capital spending. They’re looking to invest a bit more in their business. But those metrics are still far below the 52-year average of our survey. So again, whether that’s related to financing costs or just the uncertainty about economic conditions going forward, it does appear that small business owners are holding on to those dollars to make sure that they’re in a good position going forward.”

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.1 points in June to 97.4, nearing its 52-year average of 98.0. Expectations for better business conditions and real sales expectations improved substantially and primarily drove the rise in the Index. The Uncertainty Index fell 2 points from May to 89.