Small businesses were more optimistic in April, as the Index of Small Business Optimism rose to 93.6 in April from 92.6 in March, according to the National Federation of Independent Business' monthly index published Tuesday.
Respondents bemoaned the lack of qualified workers to fill open positions and said the political climate and weak economy prevented expansion, the survey said.
"Despite a gain in NFIB's optimism reading, small business owners remain extremely pessimistic about the economy, and rightfully so," said NFIB Chief Economist William C. Dunkelberg. "It was a relief to see the Index turn up, ending a long string of declines.
"However, it's still down from December 2014 when the Index hit an expansion high of 100," Dunkelberg said.
The average for the index is 98.
Five of the 10 indices rose, four were flat and one declined slightly. The biggest gain was seen in those with openings that were hard to fill. The survey said that signals tightening labor markets and the inability to find qualified workers.
