Small business owners are becoming increasingly pessimistic about the economy. According to the SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard, optimism has dropped 10% since last January, and 16% since May.

Currently 68% are optimistic about the economy – the lowest that number has been in the last year.

Fortunately, they’re maintaining healthy balance sheets, so they’re ready should a new opportunity or emergency arise.

They’re also, for the most part, taking volatility in the stock market in stride.

For all the statistics on the small business economy, check out our Scorecard infographic:

score card jan