Published: 2024-04-09T11:57:48.000Z
U.S. March NFIB survey weaker, but prices show a bounce
Senior Economist , North America
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March’s NFIB small business optimism index of 88.5 from 89.4 is the weakest since December 2012 and a third straight decline but the survey’s inflationary signals are somewhat disappointing.
The net prices index of 28 from 21 is the highest since October and still above pre-pandemic levels, though the bounce is modest in comparison with the slowing from the May 2022 high of 65.
Compensation plans and levels both increased on the month, but without fully erasing February declines and both are near pre-pandemic levels. Hiring plans at 11 from 12 continue to slow, and are now below pre-pandemic levels.
