U.S. small business inches up in August to 105.3, beats consensus estimates

The United States’ small business optimism index inched upward during the month of August, beating consensus estimates, as business owners remained optimistic about sales and are increasingly looking to expand their business.

With half of the NFIB Small Business survey’s 10 components rising in August, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Optimism Index was essentially unchanged in August, rising just 0.1 point.

The largest monthly gain was in expected future sales, which jumped 5 points to 27 percent. This component is now up 10 points in just two months. Actual sales declined slightly. Taxes remain the most pressing issue facing small business owners, while the tight labor market has risen to the second greatest issue. Thirty-one percent of owners report they have at least one open position they are unable to fill.

"With sales expected to increase and less regulatory headwinds, a growing number of business owners feel now is a good time to expand, which appears to be bolstering capital spending," Wells Fargo commented in its latest research report.

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