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Small businesses are feeling slightly more optimistic, according to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business.
The Small Business Optimism rose 2 points to 93.4 in March, but still below the high of 95 points it reached during the economic recovery.
"Overall, the March gain more or less reversed the February decline," NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg said in a statement. "While the Index still can't seem to get above 95, we can be encouraged that the economy is at least crawling forward and not heading in reverse."
Here's the latest chart:
Small Business Optimism Index
Roller coaser continues: After Feb.'s decline, confidence up 2 points in March to 93.4
| Index component | Net % | Chnage from Feb. |
|---|---|---|
| Plans to increase employment | 5% | -2 |
| Plans to make capital outlays | 24% | -1 |
| Plans to increase inventories | 1% | 6 |
| Expect economy to improve | -18% | 1 |
| Expect real sales higher | 12% | 9 |
| Current inventory | 0% | 4 |
| Current job openings | 22% | 0 |
| Expected credit conditions | -7% | 0 |
| Now a good time to expand | 8% | 2 |
| Earnings trends | -24% | 3 |
Source: NFIB 
—By CNBC.com