SmallBusinessNewz

People who've been hoping that the recession was over may not want to break out the party hats just yet.  Although the Small Business Optimism Index had risen for a couple of months, the National Federation of Independent Business found that it slipped again in June.

Apparently the Index dropped a point, putting it at 87.9.  As for some details, the NFIB said in a statement, "Reports of positive profit trends continue at record lows with a net-negative 42 percent of small business owners reporting increased earnings."

Also, "Sales trends have not been favorable, with record numbers of owners reporting lower sales than in prior periods.  Seasonally adjusted, the net percent of owners reporting positive sales trends is negative 34 percent."

Still, the loss of one point on the Index doesn't make for a second Great Depression, and that's something for which we can be thankful.  Then there are a couple more bright spots to consider.

The "Earnings Trends" Index component rose by one point.  Compared to May, more small business owners apparently expect credit conditions to improve, too.  And a significant number of owners plan to increase employment, which couldn't occur on a whim.

Plus, there's yesterday's article about the BBC's small business owners to consider.