CHICAGO — Results from a new economic survey may ease concerns about rising unemployment and its effect on consumer spending, as forecasters say more employers appear willing to hire in the coming months.

The quarterly survey from the National Association for Business Economics, set for release today, shows that unemployment is moderating. It also signals an improved hiring outlook over the next six months, which may help alleviate worries that the nation's unemployment rate will continue to jump and constrict consumer spending.

PHILLY TRANSIT WORKERS AUTHORIZE STRIKE

PHILADELPHIA — Transit system workers in Philadelphia voted to authorize a union strike yesterday, less than a week before the Phillies play their first home game of the World Series. Willie Brown, president of the Transport Workers Union Local 234, said the 4,700 workers voted overwhelmingly to allow him to call a strike if negotiations with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority fail. Talks are slated to resume today.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LENDER BANKRUPT

CHICAGO — Capmark Financial Group, one of the nation's largest commercial real estate lenders, has filed for bankruptcy protection amid mounting bad debt. Hurt by rising losses on mortgage loans, the company listed total debt of $21 billion and assets of $20.1 billion in its Chapter 11 filing yesterday in Delaware bankruptcy court. It posted a $1.6 billion quarterly loss last month.