The September 2015 data release of the Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Lending Index increased 4% to 140.4 compared to the prior month.

The August value had been restated from 136.1 to 135.6. On a year-over-year basis, the SBLI is up 11% compared to September 2014. Trend line growth is 12% higher than the same period one year ago.

Sectors which show above average year-over-year growth include transportation and warehousing (17%), construction (11%) and accommodation & food services (10%). These increases indicate consumer demand for delivered packages, home improvement, travel, dining and home sales.

“Consumer sectors are still the driver which means they have more discretionary income to spend,” said William Phelan, president of PayNet. “The consumer driven expansion is intact and will provide a positive lift to U.S. GDP in the next quarter.

“The concern that small business may be overheating remains low risk with this added borrowing at a measured pace. Rising investment driven by the consumer combined with low credit risk means U.S. GDP will benefit decent conditions among small businesses.”