Optimism at odds.

U.S. CEOs have significantly more faith in current U.S. economic conditions than the average citizen, according to a recent survey by Opinion Research. Just 37 percent of American adults rate current conditions as excellent or good vs. 84 percent of U.S. CEOs. CEOs at non-U.S.-based companies also have a less ardent opinion of the U.S. economy than their American-based peers, with just 51 percent rating its health good (none rated it excellent).

Other highlights from the NYSE CEO Report 2008, which surveyed 240 CEOs of New York Stock Exchange listed companies, include:

* Nearly half of the surveyed CEOs (48 percent) cited global trade as having a favorable effect on their organizations as compared with 38 percent in the 2007 report.

* Ninety-four percent of U.S. CEOs and 79 percent of non-U.S. CEOs believe changes in the American legal system that would lower litigation risks would increase the competitiveness of U.S. capital markets.

* Nearly three in four CEOs of companies based outside the U.S. think their role is more rewarding than it used to be; only half of the CEOs at American-based companies agree.

* Forty-seven percent of NYSE CEOs say their companies have moved operations offshore at some time. Three in four rate off shoring a success, with just 3 percent reporting that it failed to achieve goals. Perceptions of the U.S. Economy All U.S. Adults* Poor 21% Excellent 8% Good 29% Fair 42% Excellent/Good 37% Fair/Poor 63% CEOs of U.S. Companies Fair 15% Poor 1% Excellent 10% Good 74% Excellent/Good 84% Fair/Poor 16% CEOs of Non-U.S. Companies Poor 2% Good 51% Fair 47% Excellent/Good 51% Fair/Poor 49% 1,035 adults 18+ were asked: "How would you rate economic conditions in the United States today--excellent, good, fair or poor?" Source: Opinion Research/Caravan study conducted March 30-April 2, 2007 Note: Table made from pie chart.