A quarterly index based on the results of a survey of small business owners continues to reflect optimism, but also difficulty in finding qualified applicants for job openings.

The MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index slipped four-tenths of a point to 69.3 for the fourth quarter, a pause in the upward trend that reached a record high of 69.7 in the third quarter.

Still, 58 percent of small business owners responding to the survey upon which the fourth quarter index was based said they believe the U.S. economy is in good health, and 56 percent of small business owners said their local economies are performing well.

“The owners of those businesses make crucial decisions about expansion and hiring every day, so their level of optimism is a good indicator of future growth. The findings of this quarter’s index show they are still bullish, which bodes well for our economy as a whole,” said Jessica Moser, senior vice president of small business solutions for the MetLife group benefits business.

About 40 percent of small business owners said they’ve been actively searching for new hires throughout 2018, but 67 percent reported difficulties finding candidates with the skills they need. Only 9 percent of owners described the talent pool for potential recruits as “very good,” while 55 percent called the talent pool “fair” or “poor.”

Most small businesses — 84 percent — said they rely on professional contacts and current employees to refer quality candidates.

“There are too many people that lack the skills or credentials they need to compete for 21st century jobs, and too many businesses that can’t find the workers they need, when and where they need them,” said Thomas Donohue, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “A lack of skilled workers is going to hold back economic growth for the entire country.”

To compensate for their inability to find qualified candidates, 81 percent of small business owners said they have to work longer hours or take on additional roles. At the same time, 61 percent of owners said they’ve had to push their staffs to work longer hours, and 55 percent of owners said they’re investing additional time and money in training current employees.