The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) its small-business optimism data for the U.S. on Tuesday. The small-business optimism index rose to 98.3 in May from 96.9 in April. Small business owners in the U.S. are more confident about their economic situation. Higher sales were pushing small firms to add workers and raise selling prices.

The earnings trend index rose 9 percentage points to -7%.

7% of businesses were reporting higher nominal sales during the three months ended in May, up 11 percentage points. The business conditions expectations climbed 3 points to -3%.

The index covering hiring plans was up 1 point to 12% in May.

In the three months ended in May, 6% of owners raised selling prices, up 4 percentage points.