The outlook for 60 days ahead --- again, compiled before both the debt-ceiling agreement and the S&P-related shocks -- showed an increase in the portion of respondents expecting conditions to improve, although the majority still expected business conditions to stay the same.

Tatum analysts observed in compiling the data -- from 116 Tatum executives and consultants around the U.S. -- that there was "no obvious catalyst on the horizon that will stimulate economic growth." provides finance executives and finance services to a wide range of corporate clients.

In the wake of recent developments, however, Sam Norwood, Tatum senior partner and editor of the Tatum Survey of Business Conditions, interpreted the results this way in response to a CFOworld query: "Although we saw a slight improvement in July, we're drifting along just above the 'no growth' zone. Factors like the U.S. debt ceiling and the situation in Europe contribute to general anxiety about where the economy is going. This anxiety impacts actions like capital expenditures and hiring."

The survey-covered companies that have a regional operating focus reported the most improvement in business over the past 30 days, with the Pacific Coast region moving ahead of the Southwest in the positive conditions they were experiencing. Among sectors, manufacturing and healthcare were weaker while services were relatively strong.