In the US, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index decreased by 1.1 points in April to 89.0. This indicates the 16th consecutive month below the survey’s 49-year history of 98.

At 24%, labour quality was the No.1  business problem, with inflation in second place at 23%. As labour quality has gained priority as a top Small-Business Concern, optimism has decreased. New data show a drop in small-business confidence – its lowest point in 10 years. Moreover, they aren’t hopeful for a quick recovery: expectations for better conditions over the next six months fell as well.