The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index in the US was unchanged at 95.9 in April 2026, little different from March’s 11‑month low of 95.8 and slightly below market expectations of 96.1. It remained under its 52‑year average of 98.0 for a second consecutive month.
At the same time, the Uncertainty Index fell by 4 points to 88, though it stayed well above its historical average of 68. The Employment Index declined for a second month in a row, while reports of both actual and planned price increases continued to rise.
NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg commented, “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.”
