By The Associated Press

(AP) - MORE SIGNS OF SLOWING: Companies are gloomier than they were three months ago when it comes to sales, profit margins and hiring, according to a survey by the National Association for Business Economics.

ON HIRING: Only 22 percent of the company and trade-group economists surveyed reported rising employment in July, down from about 30 percent in the last three surveys and 42 percent a year ago. Only 9 percent said it was falling, however, with the rest saying head counts were unchanged.

EXPECTATIONS FALLING: Forty percent said the economy will grow 2 percent or less over the next year. In the last survey in April, just 23 percent were calling for such slow growth.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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