Small Business Optimism Stagnates (Even Before Higher Taxes)

Via Lance Roberts of Street Talk Live, The release of the National Federation Of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Survey for December was much like the report we discussed in November.  In short - there were very few positives to be found.   According to the NFIB survey optimism among small businesses crept higher by 0.5% over November's historically low report with a reading of 88.0 which is the second lowest reading since March of 2010.  This poor report showed continued deterioration in the labor market, or employment, components and in the surprising number of owners who expect businesses conditions to worsen in the next six months. The outlook for economic strength is important as it reflects on actions taken by businesses owners primarily in regards to future employment and capital expenditures.  The chart below shows the 3-month aver...