ECONOMY

Small-Business Owners Express More Confidence: More small-business owners in the Southland are confident of an economic rebound within six months, according to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business. In a survey of 725 California members of the small-business organization, a third of the respondents from Southern California said they believed conditions would be “somewhat better” or “much better” within six months--an increase from 24% in December. The results indicate a reversal in the downbeat outlook the same business owners have reported since April, 1993. The federation’s California Small Business Optimism Index, used as a gauge of business owners’ attitudes, jumped more than five points, to 103.1 from 98.7. Southland business owners cited increased sales prospects as the No. 1 reason this year will be good for business expansion.