Optimism among small business owners is plummeting,Monster beats,Monster beats,Beats By Dr Dre Tour, just as Washington mulls help for the economy's main job creators.

A survey conducted by the National Federation of Small Business showed that confidence is at its lowest level since July 2010. The index declined for a record sixth straight month.

Driving the pessimism is ongoing concern about a lack of demand. A separate NFIB index measuring sales expectations is now at its lowest level since the recession officially ended in June 2009. If companies don't expect to have customers for their products,Monster dr dre,Monster Beats Solo, they're unlikely to hire new workers.