US Small Business Optimism Drops to Lowest in Nearly a Year

Sentiment among US small business owners dropped in March to the lowest level in nearly a year as the war with Iran pushed up energy costs and stoked economic uncertainty.

The National Federation of Independent Business optimism index slipped for a third straight month to 95.8, according to figures released Tuesday. The survey, which was conducted after the US and Israel launched the Middle East conflict, indicated less optimism about the outlook for earnings and the economy.