JUST HALF OF U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCTS GOODS COMPANY EXECUTIVES

say they are optimistic about the U.S. economy over the next 12 months, a decline from 72% last quarter, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ "Retail & Consumer Industry Practice's Consumer Products Barometer." John Maxwell, leader of the report, stated that execs are concerned about the “possible impact of inflationary pressures on our economy.”

In spite of reduced expectations for the U.S. economy, though, 67% of execs say they have an overall positive view of the global economy.