Investment intentions for the year ahead were mixed, with increases in spending expected in product and process innovation but declines forecast in training and retraining and investment in buildings.

BBC: Cargo containers being unloaded

In addition to the hiring forecast, all firms were asked about their hiring process: what they look for, how they recruit and what college majors score the highest earning positions.

FORBES: Best Companies For New Grads: Who's Hiring And Who's Paying

The European Commission has cut sharply its growth forecast for the eurozone, warning that the "difficult process of rebalancing will last for some time".

BBC: Business

"One of the messages that this forecast sends is that the government cannot afford to be complacent with its reform process, " Vishnu Varathan, senior economist with Mizuho Corporate Bank told the BBC.

BBC: India cuts economic growth forecast to 5%

While the credit market turmoil remains severe, we think the economic data is still generally consistent with our August forecast of a sharp but relatively short slowdown related to the breakdown of the securitization process.

FORBES: I Still Say No Recession

As you may know, the Council of Economic Advisers takes the lead in a process that includes the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Treasury to produce the administration forecast that goes into all of the budget projections.

WHITEHOUSE: Detailing the FY2011 Budget