U.S. Companies More Upbeat on Economy

Washington, DC, April 23, 2012 -- Companies are reporting that wages are rising as they modestly increase their hiring, according to the National Association of Business Economics.

NABE said its industry survey found that 39% of respondents expect hiring will pick up in their companies and industries during the next six months, up from 27% in January.

Some 48% of respondents expect hiring will hold steady.

Some 78% of businesses, the most in a year, project the U.S. economy will expand more than 2% in 2012. That's up from 65% in the group’s January report.