Business confidence in Scotland fell two points during February to 35%, according to the latest Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking survey.
Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down three points at 42%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down two points to 28%, this gives the headline confidence reading.
The bank's Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly - including more than 100 in Scotland - gave a net balance of 31% of businesses in Scotland expecting to increase staff levels over the next year, up seven points on last month.
