The Association of Financial Professionals surveyed a group of America's financial leaders to see what they thought about the state of the nation's business and economic climate.

The CEO of the Association of Financial Professionals says no matter who wins the election, addressing the federal budget deficit is the most important issue for business.

"What really is going to matter, in order to get companies to start spending cash, is for congress and the administration to address the 'fiscal cliff' issue," Jim Kaitz said. "And then really begin to bring the confidence back by starting with the federal budget deficit and addressing those issues."

Kaitz says if those things don't happen, the sluggishness in the economy will continue - a conclusion supported by data from the survey.

He says out of 1,000 people who answered the survey, 75 percent say if the budget deficit is not addressed it will weaken the economy, and 50 percent say it will have a negative impact on their business.

"This is real tangible evidence that if congress and the administration don't [address the budget deficit], companies are not going to invest in job growth, they're not going to invest in new plant and new equipment," Kaitz said. "They're going to hold on to that cash - and that's not good for the long-term growth of the economy."

For more information, visit www.afponline.org

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