The Outlook for General Business Conditions among small businesses jumped 3 points in October to 11 from 8, notching its highest score in six months. Except for July, each of the past seven months has been positive, indicating small business owners see continued momentum toward a gradual recovery.
After hitting a low point in Q109, small business optimism has gradually improved throughout the year. The appreciation in the stock market likely has had an impact on this since it is generally a leading indicator of economic activity.
As a result, an unexpected period of weakness in the stock market could impact the small business outlook in 2010.