Small business optimism slipped a bit in November, but remained at historically lofty levels, as the National Federation of Independent Business' Small Business Optimism index dipped to a reading of 104.8.
"Small business owners are enthusiastic about the economy and have demonstrated their optimism by raising wages, creating new jobs, and investing in their businesses throughout 2018," said NFIB President and CEO Juanita D. Duggan. "Overall, small business owners have shown a historic trend in optimism for their businesses and the economy and continue to be the driving force behind economic growth."
In October, the index was at 107.4.
Expectations of business conditions and real sales pulled the index down, according to the survey.
"Small business employs about half of the private workforce, so investment and training in that sector is critical to improving overall worker productivity over the next five years," said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg.
