| NFIB Small Business Optimism Index |
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Released On 6/14/2011 7:30:00 AM For May, 2011
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Prior | Actual |
| level | 91.2 | 90.9 |
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Highlights
You would never know the economy is in recovery based on reports from the National Federation of Independent Business whose small business optimism index continues to move south, down three tenths in May to a recessionary level of 90.9. The report points to weak consumer spending as the main factor, one that's hitting services which is a central sector to small businesses. The report has a sharp political tone saying, without much detail, that Washington policies aren't encouraging small businesses to hire. The report's job creation indications are deteriorating with capital spending and inventory plans weakening. One in four respondents say weak sales are their top problem. Inflation is also cited as a major concern.
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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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