Search
 

Yo-yo Days

Finance execs are still cautious about the outlook for the economy.

By Donna Miskin | Updated on May 01, 2010

Is the economic recovery sustainable? The improvement in the stock market, quarterly earnings and March retail sales prompts some optimism, while nagging fears about the continued joblessness, high debt levels and cratered real estate markets argue otherwise. The Icelandic volcano spewing ash and grounding flights across Europe in late April isn’t helping.

But CFOs and senior comptrollers were feeling out of sorts even before Mother Nature kicked in, according to a national survey from Grant Thornton. Just 44% expect the economy to improve over the next six months, down from the 49% who were optimistic about the economy six months ago. And while 52% expect their own business to do better, up from 45% six months ago, that doesn’t translate into more jobs. And only 29% say they plan to increase hiring vs. 22% that plan to decrease it. Those intentions are flipped among Fortune 500 companies, 31% of which plan to decrease hiring vs. 23% that plan to increase it.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to Treasury & Risk, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited Treasury & Risk content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical Treasury & Risk information including in-depth analysis of treasury and finance best practices, case studies with corporate innovators, informative newsletters, educational webcasts and videos, and resources from industry leaders.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Treasury & Risk events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including PropertyCasualty360.com and Law.com.

Already have an account?

Dig Deeper

 

Recommended Stories

Mixed Picture for the U.S. Economy in Q3

Mixed Picture for the U.S. Economy in Q3

Reade Pickert |

Consumer spending and business investment are proving resilient, but the biggest contributor to GDP is the volatile net exports category.

Treasury & Risk

Join Treasury & Risk

Don’t miss crucial treasury and finance news along with in-depth analysis and insights you need to make informed treasury decisions. Join Treasury & Risk now!

  • Free unlimited access to Treasury & Risk including case studies with corporate innovators, informative newsletters, educational webcasts, and resources from industry leaders.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Treasury & Risk events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM publications including PropertyCasualty360.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join Treasury & Risk

Copyright © 2023 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.