Confident but conservative.

According to a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers survey, "Trendsetter Barometer," CEOs of the fastest growing U.S. companies are turning positive about the economy's prospects over the following year. But when it comes to their own operations, they continue to hedge their bets with more conservative revenue goals, investment and hiring plans--which suggests that the economic tide has yet to completely turn. The study notes that 59% were optimistic about business conditions over the next 12 months (up from 41% in the previous quarter). Viewed separately, a majority of both service and product sector CEOs have adopted a positive outlook: 62% and 55% respectively. Yet despite this, 73% said their company's revenue growth could be stymied by weak market demand in the year ahead. Their next most important concerns were minor in comparison--shrinking margins (36%), and lack of capital for investment (24%).

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