Survey: Manufacturers Optimistic About Economies, Business

In a new survey of large, U.S.-based industrial manufacturers, a majority expressed renewed optimism about the U.S. and world economies, and are positive about prospects for their own businesses over the next 12 months. The findings, included in PricewaterhouseCoopers' Manufacturing Barometer survey, were released today and reflect the opinions of 62 senior industrial-manufacturing executives polled earlier this month, based on Q4 2005 activity.
Specifically, more than three-quarters (76%) of those interviewed said they are optimistic about the domestic economy's prospects over the next 12 months, up from a low of 45% in Q3 2005. Nearly as many (71%) are optimistic about the world economy, up from 54% in Q3 2005. Respondents said they expect revenue gains for their companies averaging 7.7% over the next 12 months.
And despite lingering concern about high energy prices, a smaller percentage considers them a roadblock to profits now than did so in the previous quarter. Major investments are planned by more than half of those surveyed (57%) over the next 12 months, while 61% plan to increase their workforces, up from 52% in Q3 2005. For complete survey information, visit www.barometersurveys.com.