by Calculated Risk on 5/14/2013 08:41:00 AM

From the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): Small-Business Owner Roller Coaster Continues

After last month’s disappointing drop in small-business confidence, April’s Index of Small Business Optimism rose 2.6 points to 92.1, just above the recovery average of 90.7. ...

April was another positive, albeit lackluster month for job creation. Small employers reported increasing employment an average of 0.14 workers per firm in April. This is a bit lower than March’s reading, but still the fifth positive sequential monthly gain. Job creation plans rose 6 points to a net six percent planning to increase total employment.

In a little sign of good news, only 16% of owners reported weak sales as the top problem (lack of demand).  During good times, small business owners usually complain about taxes and regulations - and taxes are now the top problem again.

Click on graph for larger image.

This graph shows the small business optimism index since 1986. The index increased to 92.1 in April from 89.5 in March.

Note: Small businesses have a larger percentage of real estate and retail related companies than the overall economy.