The latest results of small business trends prepared by PayNet registers another increase for small business investment. At the same time, small businesses exhibited a slight increase in delinquent payment of loans and leases.

The Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Lending Index (SBLI) registered 111.4 in November, a 1% increase over last year. The Index decreased 5% compared to October, but on a seasonally adjusted basis jumped to the highest level of 2013. October’s index was revised from 120.4 to 117.8.

Small businesses as a group are seeing rising demand for their goods and services and this higher demand translates into more sales. Meanwhile, the Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Delinquency Index (SBDI) increased 1 basis point to 1.16% in November, which stands 17% lower than a year ago.

“This release is another positive sign of growth for the U.S. economy. Small businesses continued to expand their production capacity and are taking more risk,” said William Phelan, president of PayNet.