Overview
- NFIB’s October optimism index registered 98.2, its lowest reading since April but still near the survey’s 52-year average.
- Earnings trends fell nine points from September, with more owners citing weaker sales as the reason for lower profits.
- The share rating business health as good dropped to 51% from 57%, while those saying fair rose to 33% from 27%.
- Labor quality stayed the top problem as nearly nine in ten owners reported difficulty finding qualified workers, especially in construction.
- The uncertainty index declined 12 points to 88 and inflation pressures eased, while the Senate advanced a measure to end the shutdown and owners kept capital spending plans elevated.