US small business optimism index little changed in April

(Sharecast News) - US small‑business sentiment was generaly flat in April, according to the National Federation of Independent Business' small business optimim index, which came in at 95.9, little changed from March's 11‑month low of 95.8 and just shy of consensus forecasts of 96.1.

The index remained below its long‑term 52‑year average of 98 for a second straight month, reflecting continued caution among business owners.

The NFIB's uncertainty index eased by four points to 88, though it stayed well above its historical average of 68, while the employment index declined for a second month.

Firms also reported an uptick in both actual and planned price increases.

NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg said: "Inflationary pressures continue to be a challenge for Main Street. While small business optimism remains fragile, the benefits of the Working Families Tax Cut Act should start to support the private sector in the coming months."

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com