NFIB Wisconsin’s latest survey results show the Small Business Optimism Index rose in August, while the Uncertainty Index fell.
Key findings include:
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The month saw a notable improvement in overall business health, with 14% reporting their business’ health as excellent, 54% as good, 27% as fair and 4% as poor.
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Labor quality continued to be reported as the single most important problem for 21% of small businesses.
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Nearly one-third of all owners reported job openings they could not fill in the current period.
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The net percent of owners expecting higher real sales volumes rose from July — the most notable contribution to the Optimism Index’s increase.
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A net 0% of owners viewed current inventory stocks as “too low” in August.
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The net percent of owners raising average selling prices fell from July to a net 21%, the lowest reading of this year.
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The frequency of reports of positive profit trends improved to a net negative 19% — the best since March 2023.
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In August, the average rate paid on short maturity loans was 8.1%, down from July and the lowest reading since May 2023.
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Twenty-three percent of all owners reported borrowing on a regular basis, also down from July.
