RJ and Makay

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American chief executives had a brightened perspective on the economy in the first quarter of 2012, and more of them plan to ramp up hiring and make more capital equipment investments, according to a recent Business Roundtable survey.  42% of executives are planning to add additional staff, and 48% expect to boost spending.  Both numbers are a 16-point improvement from the prior quarter.  16% expect to reduce staff in the next six months.

Soaring oil prices outstripped a record level of exports, widening the March U. S. trade deficit more than economists had expected.  The deficit in international trade of goods and services rose 6% to $48.18 billion from a downwardly revised $45.44 billion in February, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

U. S exports grew 4.6% to a record high of $172.67 billion from $165 billion the previous month. Imports rose 4.9% to $220.85 billion from $201.44 billion in February.  Strong overseas demand for autos, chemicals and industrial machinery drove exports.  Record sales to emerging South American economies and the highest European Union purchases in three years boosted export numbers.