Fiserv, a global provider of payments and financial services technology, has published the Fiserv Small Business Index™ for January 2024. The index measures the performance of small businesses in the United States at national, state, and industry levels. The index shows that spending at small businesses held steady, growing +0.1% month-over-month to remain at an index of 138, unchanged from December. Year-over-year sales reflected healthy consumer demand, growing +1.7%, but off the pace of the +2.6% increase in December 2023. Retail sector small businesses experienced growth due to increased consumer spending on building materials, health and personal care, and general merchandise. Food Services and Drinking Places experienced a decrease in demand compared to the holiday season, while Specialty Trade Contractors saw a 1-point decline. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services saw an increase, while small business sales grew by 0.7% and 6.0% respectively.