Small business optimism continued to decline in April, with fewer owners expecting business conditions to improve and investment plans falling to their lowest level since the early days of the pandemic, according to new survey data from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
The NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index dropped 1.6 points to 95.8, marking the fourth straight month of declines and the second month in a row below the 51-year average of 98, according to the NFIB report, published on May 13.
The report paints a picture of a Main Street economy gripped by uncertainty, as inflationary pressures ease but investment, hiring, and expansion plans remain subdued amid lingering concerns over labor quality, taxes, and shifting trade policy….