Small businesses were slightly more optimistic in December, as the National Federation of Independent Business' monthly Small Business Optimism index published Tuesday grew to 95.2 from 94.8 in November.
The index "is well below the 42-year average of 98," the group said.
While business owners predicting their sales to increase rose 9 points, those expecting general conditions to improve in the next half year "plunged a full 7 points to a net negative 14 percent."
The owners saying the time is right for expansion fell 3 points, while 6% see credit conditions deteriorating.
"Reported employment gains turned negative, but plans to hire posted a 4 point gain and reports of job openings also rose," the group said. "Capital spending plans and reports of actual capital outlays remained basically unchanged, as did plans to invest in new inventory."
