Tariff Policies Increase Small Business Anxiety, Confidence Drops

U.S. small business owners are increasingly anxious about the impact of President Trump's tariffs, with a significant rise in concerns reported in recent surveys. Approximately 44% of small and medium-sized businesses expect reduced sales due to tariffs, and over half are unaware of retaliatory tariffs from other countries. The National Federation of Independent Business indicated that small business optimism has sharply declined, with many fearing a self-inflicted recession due to the uncertainty surrounding tariff policies. Prominent figures in finance have echoed these concerns, warning that the tariffs could lead to a significant economic downturn and diminished global trust in the U.S. economy. The Federal Reserve is monitoring the situation closely, ready to adjust policies based on the ongoing developments related to these tariffs. Overall, the combination of tariff anxiety and market reactions is creating a climate of fear and uncertainty in corporate America.