US small-business optimism up the most since 1980

Washington

OPTIMISM among America's small businesses soared in December by the most since 1980 as expectations about the economy's prospects improved dramatically in the aftermath of the presidential election.

The National Federation of Independent Business's (NFIB) index rose to 105.8, its highest level since December 2004. It was up 7.4 points from the prior month, which was its biggest monthly increase since the 14.52 point increase in July 1980.