Fiserv Small Business Index Hits 144 as Sales Rise 1.3% in March
Fiserv’s Small Business Index rose to 144 in March 2026, showing year-over-year sales growth of 1.3% despite a 1.3% decline in transactions. Higher average ticket sizes (+2.6% YoY, +0.2% MoM) and MoM sales gains (+0.7%) offset softer foot traffic (+0.5%).
1. March Index and Transaction Trends
The Fiserv Small Business Index rose to 144 in March 2026, marking a 1.3% year-over-year increase in sales despite a matching 1.3% decline in transactions. Month-over-month figures show a 0.7% rise in sales and a 0.5% uptick in foot traffic compared with February.
2. Role of Average Ticket Sizes
Growth in average ticket sizes offset softer transaction volumes, with ticket values up 2.6% year over year and 0.2% month over month. This indicates consumers made fewer but more valuable purchases as they weighed spending decisions.
3. Sector-Specific Sales Variations
Gasoline station sales surged 10.3% month over month, driven by a 7.2% rise in average ticket sizes and a 12.7% year-over-year sales boost. Full-service restaurants saw minor sales growth of 0.4% despite a 0.3% drop in traffic, while limited-service venues experienced a 2.9% sales decline.
4. Retail and Spending Patterns
Total retail sales climbed 1.2% month over month and 0.7% year over year, supported by building materials (+3.5%), motor vehicle parts (+1.6%) and furniture (+1.7%). Grocery sales fell 1.5% annually, reflecting consumer budget caution between essential and discretionary categories.