Small business job creation plans hit six-year low

Small business job creation plans have fallen to a six-year low in May, primarily due to war-related oil price uncertainty, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). This decline has also contributed to a significant drop in small business optimism, reaching its lowest point since October 2024. The NFIB's Small Business Optimism Index registered 95.3 for May, reflecting a cautious outlook among entrepreneurs. This trend suggests potential headwinds for economic growth and hiring in the small business sector.