Optimism among U.S. small businesses rebounded last month as trade jitters dissipated.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index climbed to 98.8 in May, up from 95.8 in April. This also exceeded the consensus estimate of 95.9.
Despite the better-than-expected increase in optimism, uncertainty persists among small business owners, Bill Dunkelberg, the group’s chief economist, said in a statement.
“While the economy will continue to stumble along until the major sources of uncertainty are resolved, owners reported more positive expectations on business conditions and sales growth,” Dunkelberg said.
The net share of owners expecting a better business environment and higher sales volumes rose by 10 and 11 points, respectively….