NFIB survey: US small-business optimism slips in January 2026 as uncertainty jumps, sales hopes rise
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index slipped 0.2 point to 99.3 in January, while its uncertainty index jumped to 91. Sales expectations improved, but most other survey components weakened. Thirty-one percent of owners reported unfilled job openings, and 18% cited taxes as their top concern. Sixty percent made capital outlays in the past six months, but future spending plans softened.