Small business owners' optimism soared to its highest level since 2004 as the December index was 105.8, up from November's 98.4, according to the National Federation of Independent Business' monthly Small Business Optimism index released Tuesday.
Those expecting better conditions gained 38 points in December, the group said.
"We haven't seen numbers like this in a long time," said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan in a release. "Small business is ready for a breakout, and that can only mean very good things for the U.S. economy."
"Business owners who expect better business conditions accounted for 48 percent of the overall increase," said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg in a release. "The December results confirm the sharp increase that we reported immediately after the election."
Sales expectations and good time to expand both enjoyed large gains in the month.
