U.S. Economy Continues to Strengthen, NABE Survey Finds
02/02/2011
"The number of firms expressing positive hiring plans is at a level not seen in over a decade - a sign of improving labor-market dynamics. Supporting these hiring plans, industry demand continues to move higher and profit margins are expanding. Firms are showing greater optimism, with one in five respondents expecting economic growth between 3-4 percent. Firms are increasing their plans for future capital spending. A majority of respondents anticipate no increase or decrease in investment spending or employment in response to new tax policies, suggesting business decisions are being driven by the fundamentals of an improving economy," said Shawn DuBravac, Consumer Electronics Association.
Industry demand grew for the sixth consecutive quarter in the last three months of 2010, with 55 percent of those surveyed reporting rising demand. Survey respondents have also become more optimistic, with 62 percent expecting real GDP to grow 2-3 percent in 2011, and 20 percent anticipating 3-4 percent economic growth.
The labor market is also improving, with 34 percent of respondents reporting bigger work forces, compared to 13 percent a year ago. Only 6 percent are reducing staffing levels, down from 13 percent over the last three quarters.
Most respondents - 62 percent - also expect to increase capital spending, an increase from 48 percent last quarter.
Project Announcements
PEAK Precision Manufacturing Plans Bowling Green, Kentucky, Operations
07/26/2024
Italy-Based Sipcam Agro USA Upgrades Wayne County, Mississippi, Operations
07/26/2024
Cleveland-Cliffs Plans Weirton, West Virginia, Operations
07/26/2024
IDEXX Laboratories Plans Wilson, North Carolina, Production Operations
07/26/2024
Germany-Based Ritz Instrument Transformers Plans Waynesboro, Georgia, Operations
07/26/2024
AirJoule Plans Newark-Wilmington, Delaware, Operations
07/26/2024
Most Read
-
19th Annual Area Development Gold and Silver Shovel Awards
Q2 2024
-
2023's Leading Metro Locations: Hotspots of Economic Growth
Q4 2023
-
2023 Top States for Doing Business Meet the Needs of Site Selectors
Q3 2023
-
The CHIPS and Science Act will bring jobs back to the United States
Q2 2024
-
2023 Top States Commentary: Top-Ranked States Have What It Takes to Win Mega Projects
Q3 2023
-
The Bring Your Own Energy (BYOE) Party Is Starting
Q2 2024
-
Midwest becomes hotspot for semiconductor manufacturing and supply industries
Q2 2024