By Kathleen Madigan 
 

Businesses in the U.S. and around the world are taking a dimmer view of the future, according to a global survey released Monday, leading to cutbacks in employment and spending plans.

Optimism among 6,100 companies surveyed by Markit fell sharply in October, according to the data provider's Global Business Outlook Survey that is conducted three times a year.

"The number of companies that expect activity to be higher in a year's time exceeded the number expecting a decline by some 28%, but this 'net balance' had stood at +39% in the summer," the report said.

Hiring and investment plans around the world were also weaker in October. Weak consumer demand means companies have little reason to expand staffs or facilities.

Markit pointed to a long list of reasons for reduced business confidence.

"Key threats include fears of a worsening global economic climate, and notably a renewed downturn in the euro zone, the prospect of higher interest rates in countries such as the U.K. and U.S. next year, geopolitical risk emanating from crises in Ukraine and the Middle East, plus growing political uncertainty in many countries," the report said.

Of the major economies surveyed, U.K. companies remained the most upbeat about the year ahead, although even U.K. optimism fell from earlier readings.

The U.S. results showed optimism at the lowest level since Markit began the survey in 2009. "U.S. growth therefore looks likely to have peaked over the summer months, with a slowing trend signalled for coming months," said Chris Williamson, Markit's chief economist.

Emerging markets also showed more pessimism in the survey.

"Russia is the biggest concern, with sanctions, a spiralling currency and uncertainty driving business expectations down sharply to a new low," said Mr. Williamson.

Prospects for China were more upbeat, he said. "A slight upturn in business expectations in China provides some hope that companies there are at least not expecting a hard landing."

The Markit survey was conducted Oct. 13-29.

Write to Kathleen Madigan at kathleen.madigan@wsj.com