The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index released on Tuesday morning was largely a positive report, in my view, with the Index reported at 103.1 but down 1.6 points. The Index level remains in the top 15% of readings for the Optimism Index. Where the report shows weakness, it is mostly in the expectations areas. For example, the survey notes, "optimism slipped because fewer owners said they expect [emphasis added] better business conditions and real sales volumes in the coming months." Related to expectations was NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan expressing in the report:
"In