Small Business Optimism Index High

Small businesses in the United States are optimistic about the economy, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Optimism Index:

"The Small Business Optimism Index for August hit 102.9 (1986=100), continuing a 17-month string of 100 or above readings. The August reading was only 3 points lower than that of the near-record breaking month of July and showed no signs of weakness in the overall numbers. The outlook remains good for growth from the perspective of small business which produces half of the private sector's GDP."

From the NFIB Small Business Economic Trends Report for September 2004.