Newtek Business Services, Inc., The Small Business Authority, announced the release of the SB Authority Index of small business indicators for December 2012 reaching 115.79 points.  Approved SBA gross lending volume and the Russell Microcap Index led the increase.  The SB Authority index is up .23% from November 2012. 

President and CEO, Barry Sloane said, "We are concerned about a real soft December for consumer spending. We believe that fiscal Cliff discussions must have dampened enthusiasm for consumer spending and the economy at large. Despite a better stock market for small business equities and a better lending market for small business the index inched up modestly."