Small business optimism dropped in February as measured by the National Federation of Independent Business' monthly Small Business Optimism index, which fell to 92.9 from 93.9 in January.
The index hit its lowest reading in two years, as six of the 10 indices declined while four were flat.
"A ho-hum outcome this month confirms that the small business sector is not performing with any strength," NFIB Chief Economist William C. Dunkelberg said in a release. "Small business owners are still waiting for a good reason to invest in the future."
The 42-year average for the index is 98.
"Political uncertainty remains a major concern and the President does not seem inclined to address the major concerns of small business owners," Dunkelberg continued. "Every month, the Fed dithers on interest rate policy, giving the impression that the economy is weak. All this generates uncertainty, the enemy of spending and hiring behavior that would move the economy forward at a faster pace."
