by Calculated Risk on 9/09/2014 08:12:00 AM

From the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): NFIB SBET Sees Slight Bump in August

August’s Optimism Index rose 0.4 points to 96.1 making it the second highest reading since October, 2007. ...

NFIB owners increased employment by an average of 0.02 workers per firm in August (seasonally adjusted), the eleventh positive month in a row but basically a “zero” net gain. emphasis added

Hiring plans decreased to 10.

And in a positive sign, the percent of firms reporting "poor sales" as the single most important problem has fallen to 13, down from 17 last year - and "taxes" and "regulations" are the top problems at 22 (taxes are usually reported as the top problem during good times).

Click on graph for larger image.

This graph shows the small business optimism index since 1986.

The index increased to 96.1 in August from 95.7 in July.

Note: There is high percentage of real estate related businesses in the "small business" survey - and this has held down over all optimism.