"Small business confidence is at an all-time high."
Stand up for the facts!
Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy.
We need your help.
I would like to contribute
President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill. (AP)
Donald Trump correct that small business optimism is at record high
President Donald Trump has often touted how his policies are inspiring high levels of confidence in the economy. He did so again in his State of the Union address.
"Small business confidence is at an all-time high," he said.
Is it? Pretty much.
The primary gauge of how confident small businesses are in the economy is the National Federation of Independent Business’s small business optimism index.
On an annual basis, the index averaged 104.8 in 2017. That just beat out the previous record of 104.6, set in 2004.
Featured Fact-check
Here’s the full chart:
The most recent monthly figure (104.475 for December 2017) was actually down from the previous month (107.123 in November 2017). Still, the annual record is a reasonable measurement.
Our ruling
Trump said, "Small business confidence is at an all-time high." The NFIB’s small-business survey set a high in 2017, when all months are averaged. So we rate his statement True.
PolitiFact Rating: 
Our Sources
Donald Trump, State of the Union address, Jan. 30, 2018
National Federation of Independent Business, Small Business Optimism Index, accessed Jan. 30, 2018
Browse the Truth-O-Meter
More by Louis Jacobson
Donald Trump correct that small business optimism is at record high
Support independent fact-checking.
Become a member!
In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.