Small business optimism remains high. Job openings near all-time highs. Mortgage delinquency rates decline.

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index remains historically high as sales and profits maintained strength in June. The Small Business Optimism Index hit 107.2 in June, down 0.6 from May, its sixth highest reading in survey history. “The first six months of the year have been very good to small business thanks to tax cuts, regulatory reform, and policies that help them grow,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan. Since December 2016, the Index has averaged lofty levels of 105.4, well above the 45-year average of 98 and just below the all-time high of 108.0 from July 1983. The biggest problem employers are now facing is finding qualified workers to fill positions.
Job openings remained at near all-time highs in May as the labor markets continues to gain strength. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there was 6.6 million job openings on the last business day of May, just below the series high of 6.8 million in April, according to its JOLTS (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey) report. The report is closely monitored by the members of the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Mortgage delinquency rates have been edging lower as the economy and job markets strengthen. CoreLogic reports that the 30 days or more delinquency rate for April 2018 was 4.2%. In April 2017, 4.8% of mortgages were delinquent by at least 30 days or more including those in foreclosure. This represents a 0.6% decline in the overall delinquency rate compared with April 2017. CoreLogic says that delinquency rates are nearing historic lows, reflecting a long period of strict underwriting practices and improved economic conditions.