CEOs more optimistic about economy and hiring

Source: AP-Excite

By MARCY GORDON

WASHINGTON (AP) - A survey of chief executives at the largest U.S. companies shows a growing number are slightly more optimistic about the economy's prospects for the next six months and expect to boost hiring.

The Business Roundtable said Wednesday that its index measuring CEO outlook rose to 84.5 in the October-December quarter. That's up from 79.1 in the July-September quarter.

The group is an association of chief executives at the 200 largest U.S. companies. Any reading above 50 suggests expansion.

The survey noted that 34 percent of the executives expect their companies will increase hiring in the next six months, up from 32 percent in the previous survey. And 73 percent of those surveyed expect their company's sales to increase, up from 71 percent in previous survey.

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