Small business optimism fell 1.6 points in April to 95.8, the second consecutive month below the 51-year average of 98.8, according to the National Federation of Independent Businessâ Small Business Optimism Index report.
The Uncertainty Index decreased four points from March to 92, remaining above the historical average of 68.
Seasonally adjusted, 34% of business owners reported job openings they could not fill in April, down six points from March. The last time job openings were below this level was in January 2021.
A seasonally adjusted net 13% of owners plan to create new jobs in the next three months, up one point from March.
âUncertainty continues to be a major impediment for small business owners in operating their business in April, affecting everything from hiring plans to investment decisions,â NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said in a statement. âWhile owners are still trying to fill a high number of current job openings, their outlook on business conditions is less supportive of future business investments.â
Read the full report here.
