Econoday Economic Report: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index January 11, 2011

2011 Economic Calendar

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NFIB Small Business Optimism Index

Released On 1/11/2011 7:30:00 AM For Dec, 2010

	Prior	Actual
level	93.2	92.6

Highlights
The small business optimism index fell six tenths to 92.6 reflecting continued uncertainty over the economy's future. The reading, for the 36th straight month, is consistent with recession. Weak sales remain the top problem for small businesses which are still not hiring. In a positive, small businesses do see better sales in the coming months.

Definition
The small business optimism index is compiled from a survey that is conducted each month by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) of its members. The index is a composite of ten seasonally adjusted components based on questions on the following: plans to increase employment, plans to make capital outlays, plans to increase inventories, expect economy to improve, expect real sales higher, current inventory, current job opening, expected credit conditions, now a good time to expand, and earnings trend. The baseline of 100 is for the average of the year 1986. A positive percentage change indicates improvement while a negative percentage change in the index suggests a decline in optimism. But the level indicates optimism relative to 1986—a moderately healthy year for economic growth with annual average GDP growth at 3.5 percent. Why Investors Care

2011 Release Schedule

Released On: 1/11 2/8 3/8 4/12 5/10 6/14 7/12 8/9 9/13 10/11 11/8 12/13

Release For: Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov