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Money Management Executive

Chiefs of U.S. Multinational Firms Turn Bullish

August 11, 2003, 1:00 a.m. EDT 1 Min Read

The majority of the leaders of U.S. multinational corporations are optimistic about the prospects for the economy over the next 12 months, PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Management Barometer survey found. Sixty percent said they are optimistic about the U.S. economy and 42% said they are confident about the world economy. That was up markedly from the first quarter, when only 34% said they were upbeat on the U.S. economy and only 28% were optimistic about international prospects.

Revenue growth, new investments and new hiring, however, concern them. Profits for their own companies amid overall weak market demand were top of mind.

"For the first time in four consecutive quarters, more than half of executives have a positive outlook toward business in the upcoming 12 months," said Frank Brown, PwC’s global leader for assurance and business advisory services. "Companies may be ready to break out of the wait-and-see pattern and begin building inventories, placing orders and making new investments. That’s good news.

"The big question is: How soon will they make a commitment?"

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Money Management Executive
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