"Small Business Optimism Plummets to 11-Year Low Amid Inflation Concerns"

Small business confidence has dropped to its lowest level since 2012, with a quarter of respondents citing rising costs as their biggest concern. The NFIB survey revealed that inflation and labor market challenges are the primary issues for small business owners, with a net 28% reporting increased selling prices and 33% planning further price hikes. Despite other indicators showing receding inflation, small businesses remain apprehensive, particularly about rising input and labor costs. Inflation expectations have remained fairly stable, but concerns about rent, gas, and food prices persist, impacting small business optimism.