NFIB News Release (11/11/14)

The National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Optimism Index crept back to its August level of 96.1 with a gain of 0.8 points led by a modest increase in the net percent of owners who plan to increase capital spending and more who expect higher sales in the next three months.

“Those were the two bright spots in an otherwise mixed reading,” says Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist for NFIB.

According to the survey, owners are slightly less optimistic about business conditions over the next six months as well as the outlook for expansion. November’s survey, which will reflect the election outcome, should provide some insight on whether different leadership in Congress has had any effect on small-business optimism, because 28% of owners blame Washington politics for the country’s economic problems.