The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index in the United States improved in July 2026, rising to 99.8 from 97.4 in June 2026. The latest reading, updated on 11 August 2026, points to a strengthening mood among small business owners after the previous month’s weaker sentiment.
The pickup from June’s level suggests that small firms are becoming more confident about their operating environment and near‑term prospects. While the index remains sensitive to factors such as costs, demand, and hiring conditions, the July gain indicates a more constructive outlook from a key segment of the US economy.
