The National Federation of Independent Business found a small decline in business optimism in its November small business index. The reading dipped to 104.8 but comes after a strong two years. Slightly more than half of the decline came in the expected business conditions and expected real sales areas. Pressure to increase compensation to attract qualified workers pushed pay to a 30-year high. “Small business owners are enthusiastic about the economy and have demonstrated their optimism by raising wages, creating new jobs, and investing in their businesses throughout 2018,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita D. Duggan. “Overall, small business owners have shown a historic trend in optimism for their businesses and the economy and continue to be the driving force behind economic growth.”