WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. Small Business Confidence held steady in April, following three consecutive monthly drops, however, owners remain concerned about rising inflation and worker shortages. A Tuesday survey revealed that this was the result of a poll.

National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), reported that its Small Business Optimism Index remained the same at 93.2. This index was down since January.

Three-quarters of business owners stated that inflation was the biggest problem they faced in running their businesses. This was the highest share of owners since 1980’s fourth quarter, and it was up one point over March.

Due to low interest rates and massive fiscal stimulus, the economy is suffering from high inflation. Inflation is growing at the fastest rate in 40 years.

Last week, the Federal Reserve raised its policy rate by half of a percentage point. This is the largest increase in rates since 22 years. It also announced that it will begin trimming bond holdings next month. In March, the U.S. central banking began raising interest rates.

The NFIB survey found that more business owners expect worsening conditions over the next six-months. However, there is evidence that inflation appears to have reached its peak. From March’s record-breaking high, the share of sellers raising their average selling price has fallen slightly.

This could be bolstered by Wednesday’s Labor Department consumer price report. A Reuters poll of economists found that the consumer price index rose 0.2% last month, after rising 1.2% in March. This would mean that the CPI will gain 8.1% during the twelve months to April, after rising 8.5% in March.

Indicating a high price rise, 46% of respondents reported that their businesses had raised compensation. In the three-months to come, there was also a decline in compensation plans.

However, small businesses continue to struggle to hire workers to fill vacant positions. At 47%, the share of business owners reporting that they have open positions remained unchanged. The NFIB said that the most severe shortages of workers were in the retail, construction and manufacturing sectors. The NFIB stated that the sector with the fewest job openings was agriculture.

Last week, the government announced that 11.5 million jobs were available in the economy as of March 31st.