May 12, 2014: US Business Optimism Highest Since 2004
Global Business Optimism Also on the Rise
CHICAGO — Optimism about the nation’s economic outlook among United States business leaders reached its highest level since 2004, according to the latest Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR), a survey of more than 3,300 business leaders in 45 countries. In first quarter 2014, optimism among U.S. business leaders rose 30 percentage points to a net balance of 66 percent.
The increase in optimism in the U.S. economy is consistent with what is occurring in other global markets. According to the survey, net 44 percent of businesses globally are optimistic about the economic outlook. This marks the highest level since 2007, and a 17 percentage-point increase from the previous quarter.