by Calculated Risk on 9/13/2016 10:07:00 AM

From the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): Political Climate as Negative Factor Hits Record High in Monthly NFIB Index of Small Business Optimism

The Index of Small Business Optimism declined two-tenths of a point in August to 94.4, with owners refusing to expand; expecting worse business conditions; and unable to fill open positions, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

Another major problem for small business owners is finding qualified workers to fill open positions. According to the survey, 15 percent said that finding qualified workers was their biggest problem. Thirty percent said they had job openings that they couldn’t fill. That’s the highest level since the recovery.
emphasis added

Click on graph for larger image.

This graph shows the small business optimism index since 1986.

The index decreased to 94.4 in August.