The US National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index decreased to 89.4 in February.
This decrease marks the sixth in seven months, according to Bloomberg, and represents the 26th consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98.
An increasing number of small business owners have reported inflation as the single most important problem in operating their businesses, up 3 points to 23% from last month.
"While inflation pressures have eased since peaking in 2021, small business owners are still managing the elevated costs of higher prices and interest rates," says NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg in a press release. "The labor market has also eased slightly, as small business owners are having an easier time attracting and retaining employees."