CEOs See Strong Economy This Year

.S. chief executive officers expect to see continued strength in the economy over the next six months, especially in new hiring, according to a survey released late last week by the Business Roundtable, news services reported.

But high energy prices remain an area of concern and growth will dip, according to the quarterly CEOs survey, Reuters reported.

The overall CEO Economic Outlook index rose to 102.2 in March from 101.4 in December. It was the second-highest reading ever, behind 104.4 in the March 2005 survey. Readings over 50 indicate expansion.

They did not see core inflation as a big concern despite high oil prices, with warm winter weather helping to alleviate the crunch from increased fuel costs, Reuters said.