Looking at economic releases, the National Federal of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index fell to 88.0 vs. 90.0 expected and 89.3 prior. A lack of credit and the looming threat of healthcare reform are two of the biggest obstacles they currently face. Over one-third said sales are too weak for them to expand at the current moment.

Manpower’s Second Quarter Employment Outlook showed that a net 5% of employers predict they will hire during April-June, down from the first quarter’s 6% expectations. Year ago levels were far worse, down -2%.