*SCALPSWINGSTRADDLE*

[Zephyr]

NFIB Small Business Optimism Index
Released On 11/12/2013 7:30:00 AM For Oct, 2013
Prior Consensus Consensus Range Actual
level 93.9 93.3 92.0 to 95.0 91.6
Highlights
Deepening pessimism over the economic outlook and the outlook for sales were major negatives pulling the small business optimism index down a sharp 2.3 points to 91.6. Plans to increase employment also fell sharply with 7 of 10 components negative in the month. The report cites the government shutdown and fiscal standoff as negative factors for the October report as well as what it describes as the failed launch of the president's universal health care program. At 37 percent, those blaming the political climate in Washington is at a record high.