Tariffs worsen pessimism: Small business optimism index in the United States deteriorates for four consecutive months.

Due to the increase in tariffs, businesses have become increasingly pessimistic about the economic outlook and sales expectations, causing confidence among small businesses in the United States to deteriorate for the fourth consecutive month in April. The National Federation of Independent Business' small business optimism index fell by 1.6 points to 95.8, marking the lowest level since October of last year. Of the 10 sub-indices in the survey, 6 declined, with the biggest drops in the index for expected business conditions and job openings.