Washington area businesses optimistic, with plans to hire

Washington area businesses optimistic, with plans to hire

Washington area businesses are feeling more optimistic than they were in the spring, according to a PNC Bank economic outlook. They are planning to hire more people and pay higher wages.

A robust 33 percent say they plan to increase hiring, up from 26 percent in the spring. Additionally, 38 percent expect to increase staff pay, much more than the 28 percent who said that last fall. These employees could feel that now they can afford a new car.

More good news from Washington area businesses: 84 percent feel optimistic about the local economy, up from 76 percent in the spring.