by Rebecca Walker — December 12, 2008—Optimism at small businesses edged up slightly last month but owners remain discouraged about future prospects for hiring or spending, according to the National Federation of Independent Business index.
The index of small business optimism rose a marginal 0.3 points in November to 87.8.
“In this uncertain environment, owners are postponing any capital projects that are not essential to the operation of the firm, or that they can’t afford or can’t finance,” said William Dunkelberg, NFIB chief economist.
There was a slight increase in the number of owners planning to make capital expenditures over the next few months: up two points to 21 percent; only in 1974-75 were capital spending plans lower.
During the next three months, few owners plan to create new jobs and the jobless rate will likely rise to 7.0 percent before the ends, the group said.
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