In January alone, the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index revealed that the scores had slipped by nearly 3.2 points, representing a significant shift in American’s mindset. This drastic drop suggests that many Americans are wary of the 35-day government shutdown and its effects on the economy as well as the instability that seems inherent to economies across the globe.
NFIB President Juanita D. Duggan describes this, stating, “Business operations are still very strong, but small business owners’ expectations about the future are shaky. One thing small businesses make clear to us is their dislike for uncertainty, and while they are continuing to create jobs and increase compensation at a frenetic pace, the political climate is affecting how they view the future.”
Overall, this slippage in points is indicative of an ideological change across the board as American’s continue to retain an inherent distrust towards both the government and the economy. Until the consequences of the shutdown are fully understood, the next few months could continue to be shaky for small business owners across the United States.
