News summary: Small biz optimism dives in November

SAGGING SPIRITS: The National Federation of Independent Business, which lobbies on behalf of small businesses, says a survey of its members showed they grew more pessimistic in November after the election and Superstorm Sandy.

BLEAK OUTLOOK: The number of business owners who expect business conditions to be worse six months from now rose 37 percentage points from October. The biggest problem owners are facing now is weak sales.

SANDY'S IMPACT: Owners in states hit by the Oct. 29 storm were slightly more pessimistic than those in other parts of the country. And many said they were planning to cut jobs.