HESITATION: A survey of chief executives shows fewer large U.S. companies plan to hire or boost spending in the next six months, reflecting a weaker U.S. economy.

THE DETAILS: The Business Roundtable says 36 percent of its CEO members plan to add workers over the next six months, down from 42 percent in the survey taken three months ago. Only 43 percent say they plan to step up spending on machinery, computers and other large goods, down from 48 percent.