Small Business Optimism Declines as Uncertainty Rises, NFIB Reports 

CHICAGO – New data shows declining optimism and rising uncertainty for small business owners. The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 0.6 points in May to 95.3, remaining below its 52-year average of 98.0. The Uncertainty Index rose 3 points from April to 91, remaining above its historical average of 68. NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley said inflation, taxes and market uncertainty continue to dampen Main Street sentiment. The NFIB Small Business Employment Index remained essentially flat, registering 100.3 in May.