NEW YORK – CEOs’ outlook hasn’t changed much from the third quarter, with expectations for sales a little higher, employment down a bit, and spending flat, according to Business Roundtable’s fourth quarter CEO Economic Outlook Survey.
The Survey Index increased to 77.9 in the fourth quarter, from 77.6 in the third quarter.
In terms of sales, 68% of respondents see their company’s sales rising in the next six months, compared to 65% that said sales would grow in the prior survey. Just as in the prior survey, 32% of the CEOS said they expect their company’s capital spending levels to rise in the next half year.
But, 35%, down from 36% in the prior survey, said the expect their company’s to hire more in the next six months.
“The findings of this survey reflect the continuation of a slow, uneven recovery characterized by ongoing economic uncertainty for American businesses,” said Jim McNerney, chairman of Business Roundtable.
Respondents expect real GDP growth of 2.0% in 2012.
The CEOs said costs for materials and regulation were their greatest cost pressures, followed by health care costs, pensions, litigation and energy expenses.
The survey was completed between October 31 and November 18 and responses were received from 130 member CEOs. The percentages in some categories may not equal 100 due to rounding.
