U.S. manufacturing leaders have turned pessimistic regarding the U.S. economy, according to Grant Thornton LLP’s most recent Business Optimism Index, a quarterly survey of U.S. manufacturing business leaders. Only 40 percent believe the U.S. economy will improve in the next six months, down from 60 percent three months earlier. At the same time, 26 percent believe the U.S. economy will get worse, up from three percent. “There are many factors causing concern amongst U.S. manufacturing leaders,” said Wally Gruenes, manufacturing practice leader at Grant Thornton LLP.  “Soaring energy and raw material costs and Japanese manufacturing supply chain disruptions are weighing heavily, as are unresolved U.S. debt reduction issues and a corporate tax rate that still puts the U.S. at a global competitive disadvantage. Lower effective tax rates will encourage investment and business activity, spur job creation, and ultimately increase national wealth. Tax reform should benefit the dynamic manufacturing businesses that are the backbone of American economic growth and the driving force behind expanding employment. Included in this category are many privately held businesses, the Russell 2000 and similar groups.”