U.S. manufacturing executives forecast increases in economic growth, new investments and hiring in the next 12 months, according to the second quarter 2004 PricewaterhouseCoopers Manufacturing Barometer survey.
Ninety-four percent of industrial manufacturing executives reported that the U.S. economy grew in the second quarter. Looking ahead, 84% of manufacturers were optimistic about the economy's prospects over the next 12 months, up from 79% in the prior quarter. However, barriers to growth, including foreign market competition, monetary exchange rates and lack of qualified workers, remain a concern.