CNBC article by Reuters

A gauge of small business optimism in the United States sunk in March to a 22-year low, as small business owners clamped down on plans to create new jobs and expand business operations, a survey released Tuesday showed.

The index of small business optimism fell 3.3 points in March to 89.6, the lowest monthly reading since the surveys began in 1986, the National Federation of Independent Business said.

"We are seeing recession readings," said NFIB Chief Economist William Dunkelberg in a statement.

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