Asian firms' sentiment lifts but recession fears fester: poll

Singapore

CONFIDENCE among companies in Asia lifted slightly in the September quarter from 10-year lows, but most firms do not plan on hiring or expect business to pick up as they see a risk of a global recession looming, a Thomson Reuters/Insead survey found.

The Thomson Reuters/Insead Asian Business Sentiment Index tracking firms' six-month outlook rose five points to 58 in the survey.

A reading above 50 means optimistic respondents outnumbered pessimists. The latest showing, though, means the index has not risen ab…