In Brief: Business Execs Bullish On Performance in 2Q

Business executives around the world expect their second-quarter results to reflect stable conditions and slightly faster economic growth, according to Dun & Bradstreet Corp.'s most recent quarterly survey.

Following a dip in expectations in the first-quarter survey, business executives in every region surveyed are optimistic that net sales and profits will grow at an accelerated rate through the end of June. The survey indicates that worldwide economic conditions may be improving for the first time in six quarters.

"Executives in developed markets have a generally positive outlook for the second quarter, predicting continued expansion in North America and providing evidence that key economies in Europe and Asia are gaining strength," said Joseph W. Duncan, vice president and chief economist for Dun & Bradstreet.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER