by Calculated Risk on 8/11/2015 09:51:00 AM

From the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased 1.3 points in July

The Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.3 points to 95.4. After giving up over 4 points in June, the Index clawed back 1.3 points in July, a familiar theme now, which has produced the most grudging gains in the Index’s history – and still not above the 42 year average of 98. ...

Job creation was flat in July. On balance, owners added a net 0.05 workers per firm in recent months, better than June’s -0.01 reading, but still close to the zero line.
emphasis added

Click on graph for larger image.

This graph shows the small business optimism index since 1986.

The index increased to 95.4 in July from 94.1 in June.