Like many of their colleagues in larger companies, small business owners lost a little economic optimism in December 2004, reports the Washington, D.C.-based National Federation of Independent Business. Its small business optimism index eased to 106.1 in December from 107.7 in November.
Those expecting the economy to improve during the next six months fell to 37%, down 10 points from November. Those planning to increase employment fell to 17%, down two points from November. However, small business owners expecting to increase capital outlays increased eight points from November to 38%.
