Small Business News You Can Use (5/12)

There are signs that sales of small businesses are picking up, as owners become more realistic about the market value of their enterprises and sign off on deals at lower prices. Average U.S. rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows this week. Cheap mortgage rates have made home-buying and refinancing more affordable than ever for those who can qualify. Producer prices took a surprise tumble in April, led by a sharp drop in energy costs for manufacturers such as factories, refineries and farms. In a presidential election year, the economy is sure to be the story, with plenty of numbers for detail and small businesses playing the main characters.