The chief executives of many of the largest U.S. companies predict a steady, modest economic recovery in the first half of 2014.
Participants in Wednesday's Business Roundtable survey expect improvements in sales, investment and hiring, but say economic growth will still be slower than it should be.
These chief executives say their businesses are hurt by higher wages, the costs of complying with regulations along with worries about the costs of health care.
A separate report from the Commerce Department showed a 25 percent rise in new home purchases in October. Economists say the increase was driven by rising stock prices and improving employment, which apparently outweighed rising home prices and interest rates.
Still another report, this one from a business group, says the U.S. service sector grew at a slower pace in November. This non-manufacturing area covers everything from hotels to haircuts and makes up the largest segment of the economy.
Participants in Wednesday's Business Roundtable survey expect improvements in sales, investment and hiring, but say economic growth will still be slower than it should be.
These chief executives say their businesses are hurt by higher wages, the costs of complying with regulations along with worries about the costs of health care.
A separate report from the Commerce Department showed a 25 percent rise in new home purchases in October. Economists say the increase was driven by rising stock prices and improving employment, which apparently outweighed rising home prices and interest rates.
Still another report, this one from a business group, says the U.S. service sector grew at a slower pace in November. This non-manufacturing area covers everything from hotels to haircuts and makes up the largest segment of the economy.
