If I don't die by Thursday, I'll be roaring Friday night.

Thinking about the future:

When asked which industries were most attractive to their lending institution, lenders named three that have topped the list for six consecutive quarters -- Light Manufacturing (87%), Industrial Distribution (77%) and Service Companies (68%). In a further sign of increased optimism, all three of those enjoyed a jump in perceived attractiveness compared to last quarter.

Unattractive Industries

Start-ups / New Ventures (63%) and Technology (50%) were named by more than half of lenders as unattractive industries.

More than half of lenders believe American businesses are neither adding nor subtracting jobs and that the unemployment rate will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.

When asked which factors have been most responsible for the lack of job growth, lenders cited the stagnant economy (81%), the move of U.S. jobs to foreign countries (69%) and increases in productivity (48%).

Bright Spots in Economy

With the exception of the job market, lenders were guardedly optimistic about most other elements of the economy. Half of lenders said lending to small businesses would be up in the next six months. Forty-six percent said lending to middle market companies would climb, and 39% predicted lending to large, corporate customers would rise, as well. In another notable sign of increased optimism, the percentage of lenders who predicted that loan losses and bankruptcies would rise dropped below 50% for the first time in four years.