U.S. small business optimism index edges down in June

WASHINGTON, July 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. small business optimism held steady in June, with the index edging down slightly, according to data released Tuesday by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

The small business optimism index slipped 0.2 of a point to 98.6 in June, slightly above the 51-year average of 98, NFIB said.

The uncertainty index decreased by 5 points from May to 89, NFIB said, adding that 19 percent of small business owners reported taxes as their single most important problem, up 1 point from May and ranking as the top problem again.