The global economic rebound is becoming entrenched, led by the US and fast-emerging countries such as Brazil, according to a business survey today that reveals a sharp improvement in corporate confidence worldwide.
The results of the latest business outlook report published by KPMG, the corporate service provider, suggest economic activity will pick up considerably in the next 12 months. But the recovery could be less marked in Europe and Japan, where manufacturers expect to continue shedding jobs over the next 12 months.
The upbeat news comes as the European Central Bank prepares for its interest-rate setting meeting this week, and Ben Bernanke faces hearings on his reappointment as US Federal Reserve chairman.