Despite a dip to 105.3 in February from 105.9 in January, the National Federation of Independent Business' monthly Small Business Optimism index published Tuesday, stayed near a 43-year high.
"It is clear from our data that optimism skyrocketed after the election because small business owners anticipated a change in policy," said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan. "The sustainability of this surge and whether it will lead to actual economic growth depends on Washington's ability to deliver on the agenda that small business voted for in November. If the health care and tax policy discussions continue without action, optimism will fade."
"It is encouraging that the Index has persisted at 105 for three months in a row," said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. "Although optimism remains high, growth is still a problem because of restrictive government policies."
Although job openings were at their highest level since December 2000, respondents said they it is difficult to find qualified workers.
