Optimism about the economy

Grant Thornton, the Chicago audit, tax and advisory firm, released results of its biannual survey of business executives and found improved confidence about the economy. The company talked to 1,038 top financial officers to find:

• 51 percent believe the state of the U.S. economy will improve during the next six months. That is up from 40 percent last fall.

• 42 percent said the economy will remain the same.

• Optimism was higher in Georgia, with 60 percent of Georgia financial officers saying the state of the economy will improve or significantly improve during the next six months.

• 46 percent nationally said their company’s head count would increase.

• 8 percent said it would decrease.

• And good news for those hoping for a raise or looking for a job, 64 percent of the financial officers believe salary costs will increase during the next year.

About the Author

Home Depot cuts outlook amid housing slump and consumer uncertainty

Home Depot said its net income dipped to $3.6 billion during the third quarter, down 1.3% from the same period last year.

Global software firm announces Atlanta expansion with 250 new jobs

Sales software company Salesforce announced Tuesday it will invest $15 million to expand its Georgia operations, adding 250 new jobs to Fulton County by the end of 2028.

Downtown Atlanta’s Hotel Phoenix takes flight, sets opening date

The opening comes as Centennial Yards and its parent, CIM Group, push ahead on several key projects across the 50-acre site, the largest project the city has seen in decades.

The Latest

Credit: Special

Beyond the odometer: What matters most in a used car

Why your car’s safety tech needs maintenance, too

OPINION

Saying goodbye to the Porsche 718 Cayman — for now

Featured

Credit: Ben Gray

Donor leaves WABE $3 million, largest individual gift in station’s history

An Atlanta resident has bequeathed WABE a $3 million donation, the largest one-time individual donation in the nonprofit media operation’s 76-year history.

Usher sues business partners over failed Buckhead restaurant plan

Atlanta singer Usher wants his money back after loaning $1.7 million to music producer Bryan-Michael Cox and others to buy a Buckhead restaurant property for $6.3 million.

Braves’ original ‘Freeze’ is retired. But you probably still can’t catch him.

As the Atlanta Braves prepare to find their next sprinting mascot, Nigel Talton is enjoying his new career coaching high school athletes at McEachern High.