The CFOs questioned by Deloitte tempered their expectations for year-over-year revenue growth, seeing on average 6.8%, down from 7.1% in the prior quarter's survey. The average earnings growth they foresaw was 9.3% in the latest quarter, down from 14% seen in Q2. They envisioned domestic hiring rises as averaging 1.2% this quarter, down from 2% in Q2. But capital spending still was expected to grow next year, by an average 7.9%, although that is down from 10.7%.

Government fixes weren't seen as a bringer of change in the latest survey; less than a quarter of respondents said they would boost capital spending and hiring to reflect the Federal Reserve's pledge to keep interest rates low through 2013. But 92% said they believed that government fiscal soundness is necessary for businesses to have success.

Some other results:

"CFO sentiment is driven by demand," said Sanford Cockrell III, national managing partner, CFO Program, Deloitte LLP. "The deepening impact of the European debt crises combined with stagnant employment, continued housing issues and volatile financial markets at home do not bode well for consumer demand anywhere. Little wonder some CFOs are stepping back -- even retreating -- from their previous growth projections."