Economic Buzz: Optimism among US small business owners rises to highest since Aug-25

Optimism among US small business owners rose further in July, with the NFIB index gaining 2.4 points to 99.8. The reading moved above the index?s 52-year average of 98.0 and reached its highest level since August 2025. The increase was broad-based, with eight of the index?s 10 components improving, while two declined. The strongest contribution came from hiring plans, pointing to a renewed willingness among small businesses to expand their workforces. NFIB Small Business Employment Index rose to 102.1, marking a rebound after four consecutive months of declines. Labor demand also remained strong.

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