The Optimism Index rose by 0.3 of a point in September to 91.5. This is the 33rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. The last time the Optimism Index was at or above the 50-year average of 98 was December 2021. The Uncertainty Index rose 11 points to 103, the highest reading recorded. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, five increased, three decreased, and two were unchanged. LABOR MARKETS In NFIB’s September survey, 34 percent (seasonally adjusted) of all owners reported job openings they could not fill in the current period, down 6 points from August and the lowest reading since January 2021.