Econoday Economic Report: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index April 12, 2011

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NFIB Small Business Optimism Index

Released On 4/12/2011 7:30:00 AM For Mar, 2011

	Prior	Actual
level	94.5	91.9

Highlights
Optimism among small businesses fell back in March, down more than 2-1/2 points to a recessionary 91.9. Data from the National Federation of Independent Business show weaker sales and a weaker outlook for business conditions. The report also cites a "marked deterioration" in profit trends. But there is a bright spot as small businesses are hiring and expect to continue to hire.

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

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