The company surveys 3,200 business leaders in 44 countries. In the survey report for the first quarter of 2013, optimism among U.S. business leaders rose from -4 percent, in the fourth quarter of 2012, to 31 percent.

IBR data shows improved sentiment in most areas of business performance and stability:

* U.S. business leaders expecting revenues to increase in 2013 rose eight points from 4Q 2012.

* Profitability expectations rose sharply - up 14 points from 4Q 2012.

* Hiring expectations in the United States are still above the global average. A net balance 29 percent of U.S. business leaders expect an increase in hiring in the coming year. This is up four points from 4Q 2012 and five points over the global average.

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