Chief executives' confidence in the nation's economy, which had slipped to 66 in the final quarter of 2003, surged to 73 in the first quarter of 2004, the Conference Board reported. This is the highest reading in 20 years, when the measure reached 74 in the final quarter of 1983. A reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses.
The Conference Board's quarterly measure of CEO Confidence covers more than 100 CEOs in a variety of industries.