In spite of the signs of improvement overall, IHS Global Insight economist Howard Archer sounded a note of caution for the coming year: "We suspect that the euro zone's recovery could well lose momentum for a time in 2010 before growth starts to gradually pick up again, " he said.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Still, some caution that ongoing weaknesses in the housing market, along with uncertainties about the federal budget and the Euro zone crisis, among other issues, could derail any renewed optimism among borrowers and lenders alike in the coming year.

WSJ: Small Signs That Small Business Lending Is Up