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The optimism index climbed 2.4 points to 99.8, surpassing its 52-year average, while planned hiring jumped to its highest level since October 2022
James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty Images
The National Federation of Independent Business reported Tuesday that its Small Business Optimism Index advanced to 99.8 in July, a 2.4-point gain that lifted the gauge to its strongest mark since August 2025 and above its long-run 52-year average of 98.0. Eight of the index's 10 components increased.
The biggest driver of July's gain was a surge in hiring intentions. A seasonally adjusted 20% of small business owners said they plan to create new jobs over the next three months, up 9 points from June — the highest reading since October 2022 and 9 points above the historical average, the NFIB said.
