LANSING — At least two-thirds of Michigan’s corporate leaders anticipate the state and national economies will remain flat over the next six months, according to a new survey by Business Leaders for Michigan.
Sixty-seven percent of the executives surveyed believe the Michigan economy will stay the same in the next six months, while 74 percent think the same about the U.S. economy.
Less than a third of respondents — 26 percent — think the state economy will experience modest growth, which is a less-optimistic result than a survey taken in July, the group said.
Looking at the next 18 months, 30 percent of respondents believe Michigan’s economy will improve and half believe it will stay flat. That compares to 26 percent and 48 percent, respectively, concerning the national economy.
Business Leaders for Michigan polled its 80 members, who consist of executives at the state’s largest companies and universities, to compile its third-quarter economic forecast.
“The majority of Michigan’s largest job providers believe that the state’s economy will remain stronger than the nation’s over the next 18 months, but growth will slow in both markets,” Doug Rothwell, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan, said in a statement.
“The economic recovery is entering its seventh year — historically a long time for expansions,” Rothwell said. “Growth is slowing, but America remains a bright spot in the world economy and Michigan will likely out-perform the nation over the next 18 months.”
Business Leaders for Michigan said 41 percent of survey respondents think their companies will add jobs and capital investments in the state within the next six months.
