CEOs realistic but confident about economic future

Based on the most recent results from a quarterly survey done by The Conference Board, the New York-based business research group, it can be said that the nation's chief executive officers (CEOs) aren't happy about the economy. But they expect conditions to improve in coming months. Though this survey measures only subjective sentiment, not objective plans for specific business actions, it's significant because it gives insight into the mindset of these decision-makers. CEO's confidence in the economy increased 7 points in the second quarter of 2001.