NFIB small business optimism index slumps to 11-month low in March.
The National Federation of Independent Businesses' small‑business confidence weakened in March, falling to 95.8 - down from 98.8 in February for its lowest reading since April 2025.
Source: Sharecast
The index now sits under its 52‑year average of 98, with NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg saying the sharp rise in oil prices had unsettled both consumers and business owners, forcing firms to absorb higher input costs and pass them on to customers.
The uncertainty index rose four points to 92, well above its long‑term average of 68, while reports of positive profit trends dropped 11 points to a net ‑25%, and the net share of owners expecting better business conditions fell seven points to 11% - the third monthly decline and the weakest level since October 2024.
Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
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