The National Federation of Independent Business found that small business optimism is well below the 50-year average and decreasing. Reasons range from inflation to finding qualified help.
In a Tuesday news release, NFIB says its Small Business Optimism Index decreased 0.1 points in November to 90.6, "which marks the 23rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98."
The survey found that 22% of owners reported inflation was the single most important problem in operating their businesses, NFIB says. That is unchanged from October but 10 points lower than this time last year, the business lobbying group says.