by Calculated Risk on 3/12/2013 09:08:00 AM

From the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): Small Business Confidence Improves a Bit

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased 1.9 points in February to 90.8. While a nice improvement over the last several reports, the Index remains on par with the 2008 average and below the trough of the 1991-92 and 2001-02 recessions. The direction of February’s change is positive, but not indicative of a surge in confidence among small-business owners. ...

Weak sales is still the top business problem for 18% of owners.

Click on graph for larger image.

This graph shows the small business optimism index since 1986. The index increased to 90.8 in February from 88.9 in January.

Note: Small businesses have a larger percentage of real estate and retail related companies than the overall economy.  Lack of demand remains the main problem for small business owners.