Lost Opportunities Lead to Flat Lining Optimism Index

TRENTON, NJ -- (Marketwired) -- 09/08/15 -- On par with the less than impressive summer optimism readings, NFIB's Small Business Optimism Index gained 0.5 points last month reaching 95.9 as five of the components posted gains, three fell and two remained unchanged.

"The sentiment of small business owners in New Jersey is clearly mirroring those of their cohorts nationwide. When it comes to looking toward the future and considering expansion, small business owners are actually less optimistic now than they were just last month," Said NFIB New Jersey State Director, Laurie Ehlbeck. "It's time for lawmakers to take note and come up with ways to reduce state regulation and improve the economic environment."

Two Index components, job openings and earning trends, both posted a solid 4 point gain, but there was not much action in the remaining eight components. Only a net 1 percent of owners reported raising prices while employee compensation remained at expansion high levels. Hiring, capital spending and inventory investment plans remained basically unchanged, collectively adding 2 points. The two outlook components collectively declined 4 points showing no optimism about future business conditions or expansion opportunities. The index reading of 95.9 was again well below the 42 year average and is consistent with reported economic growth of about two percent for the first half of the year.

"Trenton continues to make no progress dealing with the issues most important to small business owners so it is no wonder that we have been unable to turn around the economic climate which has become downright hostile. Although Governor Christie has been able to stave off some disastrous bills, legislators have missed tremendous opportunities to help create jobs and improve tax structure. Had they been willing to send the Governor pro-business legislation, New Jersey would be looking at an economic boom instead of more uncertainty," concluded Ehlbeck.

NFIB is the nation's leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB's powerful network of grassroots activists sends their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America's free enterprise system. NFIB's mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

The following files are available for download:

• generic state masthead

   [email protected]@angelinitoni732-642-0815

Source: National Federation of Independent Business

You May Also Be Interested In

• Analysts split on Apple after foldable iPhone Duo debut
• Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Eyes 30% Upside to $100K While AlphaPepe Buyers Position Before Price Discovery
• Cryptocurrency News Today: BNB Chain Hits 40% of Global Stablecoin Volume While Pepeto Presale Nears $11 Million