Published: 2026-05-12T12:01:07.000Z
U.S. April NFIB survey stable but some worrying signs
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April’s NFIB survey of Small Business Optimism shows the optimism index almost unchanged at 95.9 from to 95.8, following a 3.0 point drop in March to the lowest levels since April 2025, when tariffs were implemented.
While hiring plans are reasonably stable 6-month optimism on the economy at 4 from 11 has seen a fourth straight decline to its lowest level since October 2024, immediately before a post-election bounce.
While net prices were reasonably stable in March, April has seen a bounce to 30 from 25, which is the highest level since December, hinting that feed through from energy is starting.
