The Optimism Index decreased by 0.9 of a point in March to 88.5, the lowest level since December 2012. This is the 27th consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. The last time the Index was at or above the average was December 2021. Of the 10 index components, 2 increased, 6 decreased, and 2 were unchanged. Thirty-seven percent (seasonally adjusted) of all owners reported job openings they could not fill in the current period, unchanged from February and the lowest reading since January 2021. Thirty-one percent have openings for skilled workers (down 1 point) and 14 percent have openings for unskilled labor ... (full story)