Small Business Optimism Edges Up in January

Washington, DC, Feb. 14, 2012 -- Small-business confidence edged higher in January to mark the fifth straight month of gains, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.

NFIB said its small-business optimism index rose to 93.9 from 93.8 the prior month.

There was a five-point gain in those who expect the economy to improve but a five-point drop in those who plan to increase inventories.

"The most positive statement that can be made about January's reading is that the index did not go down; a change of 0.1 points is essentially no change and it is hardly indicative of a surge in economic activity," said NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg in a press release.