Newtek Business Services, Inc., The Small Business Authority, announced the release of the SB Authority Index of small business indicators for September 2013 reaching 122.04 points.  Newtek merchant processing, the Russell Microcap Index, and approved SBA loan volumes led the increase.  The SB Authority Index is up .72% from August 2013.  As a year-over-year comparison, the SB Authority Index is up from 113.92 points, a 7.12% increase.

President and CEO, Barry Sloane said, "It seems like we are getting the same results month in and month out from the same indicators.  Easy money and quantitative easing from the Fed is driving stock prices higher, consumers to spend and consume more, and banks are lending more to offset low cost deposits. What our small business clients fear is the eventual tapering administered by the Fed will kill off the tepid growth. We will have to monitor these changes closely."