By Robert Hughes
The small-business-optimism index from the National Federation of Independent Business rose to 104.7 in November, up 2.3 points from 102.4 in October, and it is now 4.1 points below the all-time high of 108.8 in August 2018. The latest result extends a run of 36 consecutive months above 100, averaging 104.9 over the period, a very high figure by historical comparison (see top chart). The strong result was buoyed by positive results for profit trends, plans for expansion, inventory conditions, and job openings. The single most important problem among small businesses remains