The net percent of owners expecting higher real sales volumes rose three points to a net 29 percent of owners. Of those making expenditures, 41 percent reported spending on new equipment (up two points), 26 percent acquired vehicles (up four points), and 16 percent improved or expanded facilities (down two points).Ĭonsumer spending temporarily slowed in August, likely producing excess inventories but has picked up again which will reverse the build-up. Sixty percent of owners reported capital outlays, up four points from August. “Our members say that business is booming and prospects continue to look bright.”Īctual investment spending improved as prospects for the economy remain strong. “This is the longest streak of small business optimism in history, evidence that tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks are paying off for the economy as a whole,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita D. Compensation increases set a new record. Average employment change per firm was solid. Actual capital spending in the past few months rose significantly. “I think the survey shows that entrepreneurs are a lot less worried these days about the federal government coming in and making it harder for them to grow their businesses,” NFIB State Director Brad Jones said. State-specific data is unavailable, but overall, 2018 has produced 45-year record high measures of job openings, hiring plans, actual job creation, compensation increases (actual and planned), profit growth, and inventory investment. 9-The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index continued its historic 23-month positive trend with a reading of 107.9 in September-the third highest in the survey’s 45-year history.

Small business optimism index