According to the latest National Federation of Independent Business report, the optimism index for small businesses rose by more than half a point in July, reaching a new total of 95.7 points, a Marlin business report stated. While that is below initial expectations and remains below the market’s break-even point of 100, the gain itself is a strong indicator that the market will see growth before a fall.

There was little change among the index’s 10 components that were tracked, but expansion and business conditions rose enough to make a notable change. Meanwhile, capital spending reports have been seen as mediocre, while spending plans are not as extensive as hoped in the market.

More positive news for the future of small business development came from ADP, which recently found that small business employment increased by 84,000 jobs in July (that figure is restricted to businesses with fewer than 50 employees).

To view the full Marlin report, click here.