Optimism Hits Nine-Year Low at U.S. Small, Midsize Companies

Economic confidence among chief executive officers at U.S. small and midsize businesses stumbled in the second quarter to the lowest level in nearly a decade on worsening views of current conditions and a dimmer outlook.

The Vistage CEO Confidence Index decreased 3.2 points in the second quarter to 88.4, the lowest level since the last three months of 2009, a report by Vistage Worldwide Inc. showed Thursday. Some 31% of respondents said economic conditions had recently improved, down from 64% a year ago, while only 13% expect an improvement in the next 12 months.