U. S. CEO OPTIMISM HITS RECORD AFTER TAX CUTS ENACTED

Optimism among chief executive officers of large U. S. companies has reached a record high, a Business Roundtable survey showed Tuesday. Highlights of CEO Economic Outlook (1Q) Index advanced to 118.6, highest since the survey began in 2002, from 96.8 in the fourth quarter; readings above 50 indicate expansion. The gauge of capital spending plans in the next six months rose to 115.4 from 92.7; sales outlook jumped to 141.9 from 122 Measure of hiring expectations increased to 98.5 from 75.7. The latest quarterly report on the Washington- based group’s index is the first reading since President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers enacted tax cuts for corporations and individuals. The results underscore widespread optimism in the U.S. economy as the fiscal stimulus, tight labour market and solid global growth provide tailwinds to the American recovery. The survey came hours after a National Federation of Independent Business poll showed small businesses were the most optimistic in more than three decades.