US small business optimism falls as uncertainty rises

(Sharecast News) - Optimism among small businesses in the United States retreated from a six-year high in January, with uncertainty "on the rise", according to the National Federation of Independent Business. The NFIB's monthly Small Business Optimism Index came in at 102.8 last month, down from 105.1 in December, which was the highest mark since late-2018.

The consensus forecast was for a reading closer to 104.6. Nevertheless, January was the third straight month of a print above the 51-year average of i98.

The net balance of business owners expecting the economy to improve declined to +47% from +52%, while the uncertainty sub-index rose 14 points to 100 - its third highest level on record - after two months of falls.

"Overall, small business owners remain optimistic regarding future business conditions, but uncertainty is on the rise," said the NFIB's chief economist Bill Dunkelberg.

"Hiring challenges continue to frustrate Main Street owners as they struggle to find qualified workers to fill their many open positions. Meanwhile, fewer plan capital investments as they prepare for the months ahead."