The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index dropped in January 3.2 points to 101.2, the lowest since 2016. According to analysts at Wells Fargo, the drop was likely owed to financial market volatility and the recent government shutdown. Key Quotes: “The 101.2 reading for January’s index is the lowest since before 2016’s election, but remains high compared to historical averages. Uncertainty arising from the shutdown clearly had an impact, as the NFIB Uncertainty Index rose seven points to 86.” “Firms have become more guarded in their optimism for 2019.” “Labor shortages remain a challenge, with 23% of firms reporting difficulty finding qualified labor as their top problem, a near record high.” “Expectations for future improvements in economic growth and higher sales both substantially dropped in January. Plans to increase employment and inventories also slipped.” FX Street FX Street FXStreet is the leading independent portal dedicated to the Foreign Exchange (Forex) market. It was launched in 2000 and the portal has always been proud of their unyielding commitment to provide objective and unbiased information, to enable their users to take better and more confident decisions. View All Post By FX Street FXStreet News share Read Next USD/CHF Technical Analysis: Greenback loses some steam in the New York session against CHF FX Street 3 years The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index dropped in January 3.2 points to 101.2, the lowest since 2016. According to analysts at Wells Fargo, the drop was likely owed to financial market volatility and the recent government shutdown. Key Quotes: "The 101.2 reading for January's index is the lowest since before 2016's election, but remains high compared to historical averages. Uncertainty arising from the shutdown clearly had an impact, as the NFIB Uncertainty Index rose seven points to 86." "Firms have become more guarded in their optimism for 2019." "Labor shortages remain a challenge, with… Regulated Forex Brokers All Brokers Sponsored Brokers Broker Benefits Min Deposit Score Visit Broker 1 $100T&Cs Apply 0% Commission and No stamp DutyRegulated by US,UK & International StockCopy Successfull Traders 9.8 Visit Site FreeBets Reviews$100Your capital is at risk. 2 T&Cs Apply 9.8 Visit Site FreeBets Reviews$100Your capital is at risk. 3 Recommended Broker $100T&Cs Apply No deposit or withdrawal feesTrade major forex pairs such as EUR/USD with leverage up to 30:1 and tight spreads of 0.9 pips Low $100 minimum deposit to open a trading account 9 Visit Site FreeBets ReviewsYour capital is at risk. 4 T&Cs Apply Visit Site FreeBets ReviewsYour capital is at risk. 5 Recommended Broker $0T&Cs Apply Trade gold, silver, and platinum directly against major currenciesUp to 1:500 leverage for forex trading24/5 customer service by phone and email 9 Visit Site FreeBets ReviewsYour capital is at risk.