U.S. Small Business Optimism Index Falls to Lowest Level Since October 2024
The National Federation of Independent Business optimism index declined 0.6 points in May to 95.3. The reading erased nearly all gains recorded after the November 2024 election.
blog.googleAn index tracking optimism among U.S. small businesses fell in May to its lowest level since October 2024. The National Federation of Independent Business index dropped 0.6 points to 95.3, according to data released last week. The measure had reached a six-year high in December 2024.
Respondents listed taxes, inflation, and labor costs as leading issues. Twenty-nine percent of those surveyed said they were having difficulty filling open positions. The decline reversed most of the increase recorded after the November 2024 election. The National Federation of Independent Business collects the data through monthly surveys of its members.
