News Summary: Small biz owners less optimistic

WANING OPTIMISM: A survey taken in July by the National Small Business Association found that 60 percent of business owners are confident about the future, down from 75 percent in December.

BUT THE SIGNALS ARE MIXED: A separate survey last month by the National Federation of Independent Business found a slight improvement in owners' expectations for sales and the economy.

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE: One reason is the fact that the lobbying groups surveyed their own members. But some economists say owners are starting to feel a little better about the economy, because it's still in recovery mode.