RJ and Makay

Chief executives' confidence in the economy is up again, shows the latest reading on the Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence. The measure rose to 67 in the first quarter, up from 62 in the fourth quarter of 2010. A reading above 50 indicates a positive outlook, the Conference Board says.

“CEOs’ confidence has improved, yet again, and expectations are that the economy will continue to expand in the coming months,” remarks Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center. “As for the employment outlook, CEOs are more bullish than last year, with half now saying they intend to ramp up hiring.”