NFIB small-business optimism index plunges

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch)
Small-business optimism plunged in November in the wake of President Barack Obama's re-election, according to data released Tuesday
An index from the National Federation of Independent Business that tracks sentiment among small firms fell 5.6 points at 87.5
The survey found that 49% of small-business owners expect future business conditions to be worse than current conditions
In October, a record percentage of owners were uncertain about the outlook, and it appears that many became decidedly negative in November
"Washington does not have the needs of small business in mind, said NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg
"Between the looming 'fiscal cliff,' the promise of higher health-care costs and the endless onslaught of new regulation, owners have found themselves in a state of pessimism."