The presidential election was a historic event, with passionate supporters on both sides of the aisle, all wondering what would happen. As we look back on the third quarter, we see that small businesses shared the uncertainty about what the future might hold.

Experian, the leading global information services company, and Moody's Analytics, a leading independent provider of economic forecasting, today announced that while small business in Q3 enjoyed strong job growth and stable credit conditions, utilization rates continued to fall.

To see a copy of the latest Experian/Moody's Analytics Main Street Report, visit http://www.experian.com/business-information/landing/msr-q3-2016.html.

According to the analysis, small-business credit utilization dropped to just under 49 percent, while the amount of available credit rose by more than 1 percent. With this detailed look at small-business performance, both lenders and small-business owners can have a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities available to the sector.

"The U.S. election may have contributed to uncertainty and constrained investment in the small-business segment," said Gavin Harding, senior business consultant for Experian. "However, in the coming months we will have a clearer picture of the new administration's policy agenda as it relates to business. Whatever the outcome, with strong fundamentals and capital availability, small businesses are in a good position to respond."

At the national level, small businesses continued to do well managing delinquencies, remaining essentially unchanged from the previous quarter. Severe delinquencies — those 90 or more days past due — showed a decline by 3.7 percent over the last quarter, falling from 5.6 percent to 5.4 percent.

"Credit conditions for small businesses are good and continue to improve, reflecting the solid economy," said Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Analytics. "The only blemish is in the energy and related transportation industries, which are struggling with lower oil prices. All signs suggest further declines in delinquency and bankruptcy in the near future."

Other sections in the Q3 2016 report include a detailed analysis of:

• Small-business risk-assessment strategies.

• Regional perspectives.

• Shifting industry patterns.

• Credit quality.

• A forecasted outlook for the coming months.

In-depth insight and commentary from the Experian/Moody's Analytics Main Street Report, as well as additional research, will be presented in a webinar on Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. Pacific/1 p.m. Eastern. To register for the event or for more information, visit http://www.experian.com/business-information/landing/msr-q3-2016.html.