The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index weakened to 89 in April. This is the lowest level in more than ten years and marked the sixteenth straight month the index has come in below the 49-year average of 98. Among the key takeaways, 24% of small business owners reported that labor quality was their top problem, with inflation a close second at 23%.

What’s the bottom line? Overall, small business owners are “cynical about future economic conditions,” per NFIB’s chief economist Bill Dunkelberg. The report showed that compensation plans and higher selling prices moderated while the earnings outlook, capital spending plans, and those expecting higher sales all declined. In addition, those expecting a better economy fell to nearly the lowest level on record. This data in totality points to a slowing economy and a recession.