Survey: Small Business Optimism Continues to Fall

(photo courtesy of the NFIB)

A monthly survey from the National Federation of Independent Businesses shows optimism among small businesses continued to decrease in December. The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index shows owners expecting better business conditions over the next six months declined 24 points to a net negative 16%.

The Index for December was 95.9, down from 101.4 in the previous month,  falling below the average Index value since 1973 of 98.

The NFIB says nine of the 10 Index components declined and only one improved.

Barbara Quandt, NFIB state director in Indiana, says the change in the Optimism Index is “absolutely startling.”

“I hope lawmakers are paying attention. Small businesses are the job creators and we need them now more than ever to pull the economy out of recession,” said Quandt. “So many have already succumbed to the pandemic and we need to do everything we can to help those still in business to survive. Our economic future depends on it.” 

You can connect to the full NFIB Small Business Optimism Index by clicking here.