Small business morale in the U.S. sunk in March as the conflict in the Middle East led to a surge in oil prices that raised cost concern for consumers and businesses, results of a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business showed on Tuesday.
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 3.0 points to 95.8 in March, which is below its 52-year average of 98.0. Economists had forecast a higher score of 98.6 for the month. The industry group said the last time the Optimism Index fell below its historical average was April 2025.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.