Index shows confidence on the rise

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Overall confidence in the economy grew significantly in the last month, according to the Small Business Confidence Index released today by Sam's Club.

According to June figures from the index -- provided by market intelligence firm, BIGresearch -- 49.5 percent of 1,000 small business owners and managers surveyed were confident/very confident about chances for a strong economy over the next six months. That confidence level rose 5.6 points from 43.9 percent in May, and is the highest business confidence index since January of this year.

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This latest boost in economic confidence was also reflected in how small business owners and managers feel about the U.S. employment environment. 57.3 percent of those surveyed felt that employment levels will remain the same over the next six months, up half a point from last month.