Survey Shows Soft Landing

A survey of businesses just released by the National Association of Business Economists reveals a gently slowing economy.While seventy-eight percent of the firms met or exceeded their goals,the survey also showed slower momentum for the first quarter,with lower hiring and less of an increase in capital spending.Higher materials costs and wage inflation were cited as hindrances.There is a cautious outlook for the near term.This caution reminds investors to diversify their holdings.