Prior was 97.4Full report hereOptimism among US small business owners strengthened further in July, with the NFIB index rising 2.4 points to 99.8. The strongest contribution came from hiring plans, pointing to a renewed willingness among small businesses to expand their workforces. The NFIB Small Business Employment Index rose to 102.1, marking a rebound after four consecutive months of declines. The NFIB Uncertainty Index increased 2 points in July to 91, remaining well above its historical average of 68. The headline optimism index is now above its long-term average, hiring plans have strengthened, and capital expenditure expectations have improved.