US DATA: NABE industry survey taken Sept 20-Oct 5 says “The breadth
of industry sales growth narrowed in October, but there are still
significantly more firms reporting rising sales than declining sales.
Expectations for economic growth decelerated, but 97 percent of firms
still expect positive economic growth in 2011. The European crisis has
negatively impacted firms’ sales in 2011, but more firms are reporting
increased profitability in the quarter. The survey indicates companies
are still building for an improving future. The number of firms adding
employees dropped in October, but there are still more firms looking to
add jobs than to cut them. Capital spending also increased for a ninth
consecutive quarter. Despite a narrowing of positive indicators, the
majority of respondents remain cautiously confident.” See MNI Main wire.