Alarm bell rings in US job market
According to a report by the International Economics Desk of Webangah News Agency, citing Tasnim News Agency and The Hill, the NFIB’s monthly survey reveals that small business optimism in the U.S. dropped for the fourth straight month in April.
The survey, published on Tuesday, showed April marked the second consecutive month where the Small Business Optimism Index fell below its 51-year average of 98 points.
In April, the index declined by 1.6 points to 95.8. It stood at 97.4 in march, 100.7 in Febuary, 102.8 in January, 105.1 in December 2024, and 101.7 in November 2024. From mid-2022 to October 2024, it fluctuated between 87 and 93 points.
The survey asks small business owners a series of questions about economic conditions and their general outlook on their business’s future.
The Small Business Optimism Index consists of two categories: “hard” components—such as hiring plans, job openings, profitability trends, inventory investment plans—and “soft” components like owners’ future expectations expansion intentions sales forecasts credit conditions satisfaction with inventory levels
.
The decline was primarily driven by a 6-point drop owners’ outlook future similarly decrease unfilled job openings
.
The share expecting improved conditions over next six months fell from net March figure net lowest as October -level last seen during COVID-induced recession January
Bill dunkelberg NFIB chief economist stated statement uncertainty remained major obstacle affecting aspects hiring planning capital decisions despite continued efforts fill numerous positions weaker prospects dampen investment motivation end message clearfix div
