Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

CEOs weigh economy

Lisa Napoli Sep 19, 2006
HTML EMBED:
COPY

CEOs weigh economy

Lisa Napoli Sep 19, 2006
HTML EMBED:
COPY

TEXT OF STORY

SCOTT JAGOW: So here’s what the country’s CEO’s think about the economy: Eh. A new survey from the Business Roundtable captures that lackluster feeling. Here’s Lisa Napoli.


LISA NAPOLI: Pessimism appears to be reigning among America’s chief executives.

While they expect higher sales this quarter, the expectations aren’t as rosy as they were earlier this year.

John Castellani of Business Roundtable says the sluggishness seems to mirror the general sentiment in the business community.

JOHN CASTELLANI: What I think we are seeing is the effect of 17 straight interest rate increases from the Federal Reserve and higher oil prices. They are taking a toll on the economy.

Castellani says that in response, chief executives could cut back on spending on equipment and infrastructure.

He also says the survey showed many companies aren’t as eager to hire now — although for now, that doesn’t mean layoffs.

In New York, I’m Lisa Napoli for Marketplace.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.