[U.S. Small Business Confidence Rebounds in June, Inflation Remains Top Concern] Odaily Planet Daily News – U.S. small business confidence improved in June, but the proportion of business owners identifying inflation as the "most important single issue" rose to its highest level in nearly two years. Additionally, more businesses reported having increased their average sales prices. Data released on Tuesday by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) showed that the Small Business Optimism Index rose by 2.1 points in June to 97.4, approaching the 52-year average of 98.0 for the index. The uncertainty index in the survey fell by 2 points to 89, though it remains significantly higher than the historical average of 68. The improvement in business confidence and the easing of uncertainty may reflect a temporary decline in gasoline prices following a fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. However, the ceasefire broke down after an attack on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz last week, leading to mutual military strikes between the two countries. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg stated: "The current economic environment brings both positive changes and ongoing challenges for small business owners. The drop in fuel costs has provided welcome relief for both businesses and consumers, and businesses expect the operating environment to improve over the next six months." (Jin10)