According to two independent surveys commissioned by Grant Thornton, executives are becoming more optimistic regarding the economic outlook for U.S. businesses, despite the problems in Europe and growing concerns from China.
The survey reveals that optimism about the U.S. economy jumped from 26 percent to 36 percent since three months ago when global optimism rose from 34 percent to 36 percent. The figures for those planning to increase hiring grew from 26 percent to 41 percent in the U.S. and 33 percent to 37 percent globally. Those planning to give pay raises above inflation also increased from 5 percent to 11 percent, that figure remains below the global average of 14 percent.
U.S. inflation seems to be continuing with 38 percent of respondents, up from 35 percent of respondents, plan to increase the price of their goods. The global figure is still at 35 percent of respondents. Manufacturing is also seeing improvements as 43 percent of respondents now plan to make investments in plants and machinery. This is up from 28 percent. That figure also grew globally from 37 percent of respondents to 40 percent.
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