Small business optimism in the U.S. strengthened in July after eroding in the previous month as business expectations turned positive despite a rise in uncertainty, results of a monthly survey by the National Federation of Independent Businesses showed on Tuesday.
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.7 points to 100.3 from 98.6 in June. The reading was slightly above the 52-year average of 98, the trade body said. "Optimism rose slightly in July with owners reporting more positive expectations on business conditions and expansion opportunities," NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said.
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April 17, 2026 15:29 ET The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to raise concerns for policymakers who worry about the impact of the supply shock and high energy prices on the real economy. Producer price data and various survey results on the housing market were the main news from the U.S. this week. In Europe, industrial production data for the euro area gained attention. GDP figures out of China and the policy move by the Singapore central bank were in focus in Asia.