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The National Federation of Independent Business
said on Tuesday its Small Business Optimism Index increased by
0.7 point to 95.7 last month.
The NFIB index is a leading indicator for the economy and last
month's rise followed a decline in June. The survey added to
employment, manufacturing and services sector data in suggesting
momentum in the economy early in the third quarter.
The economy grew at a 4.0 percent annual pace in the second
quarter.
Six of the index's 10 components increased, with a big gain in
the share of firms saying it was a good time to expand. There
were modest increases in the number of firms increasing
inventories, making capital investments and creating new jobs.
Businesses also expect easier credit conditions in the future.
There were, however, declines in the share of firms saying job
openings were hard to fill and those expecting higher sales
growth.
(Reporting by Moriah Costa; Editing by Paul Simao)
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