US Small Business Optimism Edges Higher

2025-12-09 11:06 By Joana Taborda 1 min. read

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index in the US rose to 99 in November 2025, the highest in 3 months, compared to 98.2 in October, and beating forecasts of 98.4.

The net percent of owners expecting higher real sales volumes rose 9 points to a net 15%.

Meanwhile, 21% of small business owners cited labor quality as their single most important problem, down 6 points from the previous month.

When asked to evaluate the overall health of their business, 11% reported it as excellent (down 1 point), and 53% as good (up 2 points).

Meanwhile, the net percent of owners raising average selling prices rose 13 points to a net 34%, the highest reading since March 2023.

On the other hand, the net percent of owners expecting better business conditions fell 5 points to 15%.

“Although optimism increased, small business owners are still frustrated by the lack of qualified workers.

Despite this, more firms still plan to create new jobs in the near future”, according to NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg



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