Reuters (07/01/15) Megan Cassella

U.S. small-business hiring slumped in June after five consecutive months of increases, according to a survey from the National Federation of Independent Business. Fifty-two percent of small-business owners hired or tried to hire employees. However, 44% of that group reported few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill. Twenty-four percent reported job openings they could not fill. Sixteen percent said they want to increase employment, a decline of six points. Meanwhile, 6% said they are planning reductions, up two points.

“Overall, June was a disappointment although not a disaster,” says NFIB chief economist William Dunkelberg.