Fewer large firms plan to hire

6/21/2012

WASHINGTON -- A survey of chief executives shows fewer large U.S. companies plan to hire or boost spending in the next six months, reflecting a weaker U.S. economy.

The Business Roundtable said 36 percent of its CEO members plan to add workers over the next six months. That's down from 42 percent when the survey was last taken three months ago.

Only 43 percent said they plan to step up spending on machinery, computers, and other large goods, down from 48 percent.