US Small Business Optimism Lowest Since 2024 in World Economy News 10/06/2026 The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index in the US decreased to 95.3 in May 2026, the lowest since October 2024, compared to 95.9 in April and forecasts of 96. “More small business owners are struggling with significant and unpredictable hikes in fuel prices, which are more challenging for small businesses to pass on to their customers compared to their larger corporate competitors”, NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg, said. 19% of small business owners reported taxes as their single most important problem, up 2 points from April. It was followed by inflation, with 18% citing it as their single most important business problem. 70% reported that supply chain disruptions affected their business to some extent and only 16% plan to make capital outlays in the next three to six months, the lowest since 2009. A net 36% of small business owners raised average selling prices, the highest reading since March 2023. A net 34% plan to increase prices, the highest reading since July 2022. Source: Trading Economics 2026-06-10 hellenicshippingnews... tweet Share