The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) said its Small Business Optimism Index in the United States improved by 0.6 point to 90.9 in February 2023 from 90.3 in January. Though this is the highest in three months, the index continues to be below the 49-year average of 98. Meanwhile, 47% of small business owners have reportedly been experiencing difficulties in finding both skilled and unskilled workers. The shortage of workers was severe in the construction, services, and transportation sectors, while job vacancies were the lowest in the finance sector. Meanwhile, 38% of small business owners raised average selling prices.
