Although not a strong signal of recovery, the index is headed in the right direction and is the best reading since September 2008 (92.9), just before the 5.4 point decline in October. Seven of the 10 index components increased but job creation and capital expenditure plans barely moved and remain at "recession" levels. The duration of recession readings in the NFIB survey is exceptionally long compared with the 1980-82 recession.