Confirming their view that the nation’s economy is moving solidly ahead, small-business owners nudged the February NFIB Small-Business Optimism Index up four-tenths of a point to 101.5 (1986=100), reinforcing the positive-growth message that they have been signaling for some time.
Small Business owners’ optimism is supported by their plans to increase inventories and capital outlays. They also are forecasting stronger sales and earnings.