Financial News: U.S. Small Business Confidence Unexpectedly Drops Amid Ris

U.S. Small Business Confidence Unexpectedly Drops Amid Rising Cost Concerns

04/14/2026 - 14:14:00 (RTTNews)

(RTTNews) - Small business morale in the U.S. sunk in March as the conflict in the Middle East led to a surge in oil prices that raised cost concern for consumers and businesses, results of a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business showed on Tuesday.

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 3.0 points to 95.8 in March, which is below its 52-year average of 98.0. Economists had forecast a higher score of 98.6 for the month. The industry group said the last time the Optimism Index fell below its historical average was April 2025.

The NFIB survey showed that the frequency of businesses reporting positive profit trends plummeted 11.0 points from February to a net negative 25 percent. This was the main drag on the headline index.

The Uncertainty Index climbed 4.0 points from February to 92, which is well above its historical average of 68.

"The 20 percent Small Business Deduction and other supportive small business tax provisions in the Working Families Tax Cut Act have had many positives for small business owners," NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said.

"However, the dramatic spike in oil prices has spooked consumers and owners alike," the economist noted.

"Small business owners are having to absorb those higher input costs and pass them along to their customers," Dunkelberg added.

The survey also revealed that business expectations declined for a third month in a row to its lowest level since October 2024. The employment index also fell from the previous month.

For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com

Market News provided by RTTNews

RECENT INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL NEWS

Philippine Inflation Climbs To 7.2%, Highest Since March 2023 (15 min(s), 15 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - The Philippines' consumer price inflation accelerated further in April to the high ...Full Story»

Spain Unemployment Declines Sharply (01 hr(s), 01 min(s), 15 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Spain unemployment declined sharply in April and unemployment among young people logge ...Full Story»

Australia Hikes Key Policy Rate By 25 Bps (01 hr(s), 24 min(s), 15 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Corrects first para The Reserve Bank of Australia raised its key interest rate by ...Full Story»

Swiss Inflation Rises To 16-month High (01 hr(s), 24 min(s), 15 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Switzerland's consumer price inflation accelerated for the second straight month i ...Full Story»

Singapore Retail Sales Growth Eases In March (01 hr(s), 43 min(s), 15 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Singapore's retail sales expanded for the second straight month in March, data fro ...Full Story»

Australia Household Spending Growth Accelerates (02 hr(s), 37 min(s), 15 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Australia's household spending increased at a faster pace in March, driven by high ...Full Story»

Australia Hikes Key Policy Rate By 25 Bps (04 hr(s), 0 min(s),15 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - The Reserve Bank of Australia raised its key interest rate by a quarter-point on Thurs ...Full Story»

Australia Services PMI Jumps To 50.7 In April - S&P Global (17 min(s), 45 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - The services sector in Australia swung sharply into expansion territory in April, the ...Full Story»