Fiserv reported that U.S. small business activity softened at the start of 2026 as severe winter weather and post-holiday spending adjustments weighed on consumer behavior. The Fiserv Small Business Index fell by 1 point to 143 in January, with year-over-year sales up a modest 0.7% but month-over-month sales down 0.5%. Consumer foot traffic recorded its sharpest annual decline since mid-2022, falling 2.0% year over year, largely due to widespread winter storms in late January. Discretionary spending weakened, while essential categories remained resilient. Restaurants and hotels were among the hardest hit sectors as traffic declined sharply, whereas professional and administrative services, including tax preparation and storm-related services, showed notable strength.

Source: GlobeNewswire