ECONOMY

U.S. Companies Plan Hiring Expansion: Prospects for U.S. job-seekers will brighten this spring, thanks to a seasonal rebound in hiring and optimism for an economic recovery, according to a survey of more than 15,000 companies. “The short-term indications are good news for job-seekers as it appears that we will see more job opportunities than have been present over the past year,” said Manpower Inc.’s chief executive, Mitchell Fromstein. “But the signs of a strong and sustained recovery are not yet present,” he added. Twenty-one percent of the firms participating in Manpower’s employment outlook survey plan to expand their work forces in the second quarter, while 10% expect reductions. The survey is a recognized indicator of employment trends.