Small-Business Optimism Dives to Six-Month Low, Inflation Cited as Top Problem
Optimism among small businesses continues to remain weak amid decades-high inflation and concerns about the future of the economy, the latest survey by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) shows.
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell by 2.1 points, to 89.8, in December, which is the twelfth consecutive month it remained below the 49-year average of 98, according to a press release on Jan. 10. This is the lowest level since June. Inflation was cited as the single most important business problem by 32 percent of respondents. The percentage of owners who expect business conditions to worsen over the next six months rose by 8 points, to a net negative 51 percent….