The Small Business Optimism Index for November was 99.0, up 0.8 points from October and remaining above its 52-year average of 98. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, six increased, three decreased, and one was unchanged. An increase in those expecting real sales to be higher contributed most to the rise in the Optimism Index.
As optimism rose in November, so did the level of uncertainty. The Uncertainty Index rose 3 points from October to 91. An increase in owners reporting uncertainty about capital expenditure plans over the next three to six months was the primary driver of the rise in the Uncertainty Index.
