Small Business Owners a Little More Optimistic

Washington, DC, June 8, 2010--U.S. small-business owners were slightly more optimistic about their companies and the economy in May, the National Federation of Independent Businesses said.

The small-business optimism index rose 1.6 points to 92.2 in May, the highest since September 2008, when the reading was 92.9.

"The performance of the economy is mediocre at best," said William Dunkelberg, chief economist for the small-business group.

Firms were slightly more inclined to hire and to invest in new equipment. Low sales continued to be the biggest problem, followed by taxes. Businesses continued to have trouble getting loans. More firms lowered prices than raised them.