The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index fell to 42.2 in March from 47.3 in February.
The 12-month average is 47.7, its all-time average is 49.7. When the economy entered the recession in December 2007, the index was at 44.4.
Index readings above 50 indicate optimism; below 50 indicate pessimism.
All three key slipped in March.
The six-month economic outlook fell to 38.8 from 47.3, the personal financial outlook fell to 52.2 from 54.6, while confidence in federal economic policies, "a proprietary IBD/TIPP measure of views on how government economic policies are working" slid to 35.5 from 39.9.
