This Month’s NFIB Optimism Report Not All Bad

Optimists, rejoice – today, we’re going to look on the bright side of life.  A new report from the NFIB isn’t exactly cheery, but there are a few silver linings, and what’s transpired since the period on which the report focuses is rather positive, too.

So here’s the pulling-off-the-band-aid part: the National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index reached its second-lowest level ever in March.  We hit second-lowest levels in December and January, too, though, so this is sort of becoming routine.

As for some pleasant news, between February and March, sales, earnings, and capital spending figures rose.  There was also a small increase in the number of small business owners who plan to hire fresh employees.

Also, well – have you been watching the market lately?  The past couple of days, the Dow has done extremely well, and this morning, it rose back above the 7,000 mark.  If people stop losing sleep over their retirement funds, it might not be long before they return to their normal spending habits.

And that’s about all the good news we can easily squeeze out of this month’s statement on optimism.  See you next time.