Tatum Survey of Financial Executives Shows U.S. Recovery Back on Track

BOSTON, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- First quarter results from a recent survey of financial executives, conducted by professional services firm Tatum, reveals an overall improvement in business conditions, along with a positive shift in expectations for the second quarter. As of March 1, 39 percent of executives reported improving business conditions, as opposed to the 33 percent that stated improvements in February, and 32 percent in January.

The latest report continues an optimistic trend that began back in November of 2011. The results have not been this encouraging for almost a year.

"After three years of fiscal and monetary stimuli, our survey suggests that the economy is moving in a more positive direction," said Sam Norwood, senior partner and editor of the Tatum Survey. "The theme we see this month is that the uncertainly around a broadening economic recovery seems to be dissipating. For the fifth consecutive month, respondents reported improving business conditions over the prior 30 days."

The Tatum Survey of Business Conditions examines key indicators such as hiring and capital expenditures and looks at both the past 30 days and expectations for the upcoming 60 days. Results in the first quarter showed:

• Tepid but positive gains in new commitments to capital expenditures
• Modest employment gains, with more hiring increases expected
• Continued improvement in financing conditions
• Increase in order backlogs, with a significant increase expected

"The survey, which is a snapshot of the business climate throughout a broad base of industries and companies across the country, indicates that despite global economic uncertainty, the US business conditions have not only stabilized, they are getting better," said Norwood.

About the Survey of Business Conditions

Each month since 2001 Tatum takes a survey of its executives and consulting professionals nationwide to gain insight on the U.S. business climate. The survey measures business conditions for the past 30 days and look ahead to the next 60 days, capturing opinions of CFOs, Controllers and CIOs in a broad base of industries across the country, offering a read on the pulse of the U.S. economy. 

About Tatum

Tatum (www.tatumllc.com) offers C-suite clients a broad range of customized solutions from strategy and leadership through project execution. Tatum, a Randstad company, is a national professional services firm with a network of nearly 600 professionals – the majority of whom are C-level executives.

About Randstad

Randstad is a $22.5 billion global provider of HR services and the second largest staffing organization in the world. From temporary staffing to permanent placement to inhouse, professionals, search & selection, and HR Solutions, Randstad holds top positions around the world and has approximately 31,100 corporate employees working from its nearly 4,700 branches and inhouse locations in 40 countries. Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Diemen, the Netherlands, Randstad Holding nv is listed on the NYSE Euronext Amsterdam.

Learn more at http://www.randstadusa.com/.  

SOURCE Tatum