CEO confidence, which increased in the first quarter of 2013, improved again in the second quarter, according to The Conference Board’s measure of CEO confidence. The measure rose to a reading of 62 in the second quarter from a reading of 54 in the first quarter. A reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses.

“CEO confidence, much like consumer confidence, posted a strong gain in the second quarter,” said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board. “CEOs are more upbeat about short-term growth prospects in most markets, including Europe, and expectations for India and China remained positive, but flat.”  

Sixty percent of CEOs in the second quarter said conditions have improved compared to six months ago, up from 36 percent who said the same in the first quarter, according to a survey that accompanied the measure. Additionally, 60 percent of CEOs expect economic conditions to improve over the next six months, up from 32 percent who said the same last quarter.