The Trump administration’s dizzying back-and-forth on tariffs is paralyzing America’s small businesses as they grow worried about the US economy’s future.
The National Federation of Independent Business’ Uncertainty Index climbed in February to its second-highest reading on record, going back to 1973, according to the group’s latest survey released Tuesday. In February, the share of respondents who believe it is a good time to expand saw its biggest monthly decline since April 2020.
“Uncertainty is high and rising on Main Street, and for many reasons,” Bill Dunkelberg, the NFIB’s chief economist, said in a release. “Confidence that the economy will continue to grow is fading.”
