Reuters (09/08/15) Lucia Mutikani

U.S. small-business confidence rose modestly in August, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Optimism Index. The index gained half a point to reach 95.9 last month, suggesting the economy continued to grow at a steady pace halfway through the third quarter. Five of the index’s 10 components increased last month, while three declined and two were unchanged. The survey’s labor market gauges improved further last month, and small-business owners were slightly optimistic about sales.

NFIB said the survey of 656 businesses was not significantly affected by the recent turmoil in global financial markets, because most of the interviews were completed before “the big slide.”