The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.1 points in January to 105.9, according to the NFIB Small Business Economic Trends Report.
"The stunning climb in optimism after the election was significantly improved in December and confirmed in January,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan. "Small business owners like what they see so far from Washington."
The January uptick follows the largest month-over-month increase in the survey’s history. Five of the Index components increased and five decreased, but many held near their record high.
Job openings and job creation plans both posted small gains, pushing the NFIB Jobs Report into a strong, positive direction. Dunkelberg said the data could signal higher GDP growth in 2017.
The percent of owners planning capital outlays fell two points to 27 percent, but it is still close to the highest reading of the recovery. Owners expecting better business conditions and better sales also dipped slightly.
