The Conference Board's measure of CEO confidence fell to a reading of 62 in the first quarter from a reading of 64 in the fourth quarter. However, readings of more than 50 points reflect more positive than negative responses to The Conference Board's CEO confidence survey.

"CEOs continue to rate current economic and industry conditions favorably, but expectations are that the pace of growth will not pick up in the months ahead," Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board research center, said in a press release. "Hiring plans are improved from last year, but less than a third expect employment levels to increase this year."

The first-quarter survey found that 52% of CEOs expect economic conditions to improve in the next six months, down from 58% when questioned in the fourth quarter.

More than 30% of CEOs said they anticipate an increase in hiring in 2010.