Small business optimism declined by 2.3 points in January to 102.8, as reported by the National Federation of Independent Business. In January, the Uncertainty Index increased to 100, marking its third-highest level on record. Despite remaining relatively high, optimism among small business owners dropped by 2.3 points to 102.8 in January, according to the NFIB's monthly poll. According to the NFIB's latest survey, labor costs and inflation are top concerns for small businesses, with 18% citing inflation as their primary issue.