Confidence at U.S. Small Companies Climbs to Highest Level in Three Years

[Purveyor]

By Bob Willis

March 8 (Bloomberg) -- Confidence among U.S. small companies rose in February to the highest level in three years as hiring and sales expectations increased, a survey showed.

The National Federation of Independent Business’s optimism index climbed to 94.5, the highest since the recession began in December 2007, the Washington-based group said today in a statement. The reading compares with the average 100.7 during the previous expansion that started in November 2001.

Hiring plans rose to the second-highest level since September 2008, a sign employment may pick up in coming months. At the same time, earnings expectations remained negative, and fewer businesses said it was a good time to expand.

“The future is looking brighter for a few more small- business owners,” William Dunkelberg, the group’s chief economist, said in the statement. Still, he said, “this is not a reading that characterizes a strongly rebounding economy.”

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http://noir.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20603037&sid=a1vuYGIa3luU

[jwirr]

1. What is inspiring these small companies? The anti union governors?

The rethug cuts in congress? That is the only change I can see that has been happening lately. If those are the reasons they are begging for a fall. Neither reason is going to do anything to fix the economy.

[Turbineguy]

2. Small companies are by nature more efficient

they don't have bloated management structures with looters as CEO's.