U.S. executives more bullish on jobs than European counterparts.

• Position: BUSINESS OUTLOOK

Executives in the United States continued to express stronger optimism for improved business activity over the next 12 months. This is the result of a KPMG International Global Outlook Survey of 6,200 respondents worldwide representing the manufacturing and service providers in 17 countries. These U.S. results compare with European counterparts, who anticipate stagnant or even worsening conditions ahead.

Among the key survey findings for U.S. manufacturing sector executives for expectations for the next 12 months:

* Business Activity: 73 percent said activity would be higher in the next 12 months. Globally, 60 percent expect improvement.

* Employment: More than 45 percent expect higher employment and 40 percent expect it would remain unchanged.

* Business Revenue: 70 percent expect revenues to rise.

* Profits: Almost 67 percent expect higher profits.

For those in the service sector, 65 percent expect higher business activity in the coming 12 months; globally, 53 percent expect improvement and just 49 percent of those in the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia...