NFIB Small-Business News (01/14/14)

Small-business optimism ended the year slightly up from November at 93.9, but below the previous three mid-year readings of over 94.0 and six points below the pre-recession average, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ latest index. Job creation among NFIB firms was the best since February 2006.

Owners increased employment by an average of 0.24 workers in December, the best reading since February 2006. Fourteen percent of the owners reported adding an average of 3.4 workers per firm over the past few months. Offsetting that, 10% reduced employment an average of 1.8 workers, producing the seasonally adjusted net gain of 0.24 workers per firm overall.