Published: 2026-04-14T11:27:19.000Z
U.S. March NFIB survey slips but no surge in prices
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March’s NFIB survey of Small Business Optimism has seen the optimism index fall by 3.0 points to 95.8, reaching its lowest levels since April 2025 as tariffs were implemented.
There has not been a significant increase in inflation expectations, with current prices up a marginal 1 point to 25 from 24 in February, still below January’s 26 and well below December’s 30. Future price expectations at 24 from 28 are the lowest since July 2024.
Hiring plans were unchanged at 12 but remain down from 16 in January. Job openings are down to 32 from 33 but still above January’s 31. Compensation and compensation plans slipped but overall, the impact from the Middle East crisis is quite modest.
