A survey released by the Business Roundtable suggests that U.S. chief executives have a better view of the economy, but are gearing up for job and spending cuts regardless, according to CNBC.
The quarterly survey, CEO Economic Outlook Index, posted a mark of 18.5, up significantly from the Q1 score of negative 5. The latest figure was still the third-lowest rating in the survey’s six-year history.
Some 51 percent of surveyed CEOs said they plan to cut costs in the next six months, with 49 percent prepared to cut jobs. The Q1 results showed two thirds of chief executives anticipating cuts in both.
Said Business Roundtable Chairman Ivan Seidenberg: “The signs appear less negative than they were last quarter, but no one is ready to suggest [companies] are going to begin hiring to start growth.”