Small Business Owners Grapple with Higher Costs, Lack of Workers
Small business owners see their outlook growing gloomier all the time. The Small Business Optimism Index from the National Federation of Independent Businesses dropped 3.6 points in June to 89.5, marking the sixth consecutive month below the 48-year average of 98.
Small business owners expecting better business conditions over the next six months decreased seven points to a net negative 61%, the lowest level recorded in the 48-year survey. Expectations for better conditions have worsened every month this year.