Newtek Business Services, The Small Business Authority, announced the release of the SB Authority Index for October 2011 reaching 109.18 points.  The SB Authority Index is up .23% from September 2011. The slight increase was led by Newtek's proprietary merchant processing volume and retail sales.

President and CEO, Barry Sloane said, "We are seeing mixed signals from the economy as certain segments are soft and some segments are firming while holding steady.  Clearly consumer spending remains an illuminated spot as Americans addicted to shopping continue to spend.  With almost 70% of GDP driven by this segment, it provides quite a lift despite other segments still dragging.  Most economists have recently reduced third quarter GDP growth from 2.5% down to 2%.  We see small businesses profiting and surviving from consumer and retail spending."