According to Jin10, the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.4 points to 99.8 in July, its highest level since August 2025, with 8 of the 10 subindexes increasing and 2 declining. NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg said small-business optimism rose again in July, more business owners expected to hire, and capital spending plans improved, while 20% of owners plan to add jobs in the next three months, 14% see inflation as their biggest operating challenge, and 25% plan capital spending in the next six months.