Large manufacturers say business conditions have improved from three months ago, signaling the export-led recovery is gaining traction even as Europe's debt woes roil global financial markets, the government said Monday.
Sentiment was 10 points compared with 4.3 points last quarter, according to a government report. Companies said they plan to increase spending on plants and equipment by 9.7 percent this fiscal year, compared with the 5.5 percent reduction projected three months ago.