There’s a good piece on WSJ.com today on Small Business Economic Indicators that may be setting the tone for the new year.

Author Diana Ransom looks at how these larger indicators affect startups and small business. She says:

In the absence of your own economist or strategic planning office, what indicators should you keep an eye on? Here are five that often matter most to small firms.

She looks at consumer confidence, producer price index, the US dollar, and the unemployment rate, with some analysis of how they might affect small business.

Tim BerryTim Berry

Tim Berry is the founder and chairman of Palo Alto Software and Bplans.com. Follow him on Twitter @Timberry.