NEW YORK — The world’s largest corporations, many of them based in theUnited States, enter the new year with real trepidation.

Autumn’s drumbeat of better US economic news — lower jobless rates, nearly nonexistent inflation, a recovering real estate market, lower energy costs, safer banks and record high share prices — should have America’s CEOs and their shareholders popping champagne corks this holiday season.

What’s more, long-moribund global trade talks look to be back on track while President Barack Obama’s administration is eyeing separate free trade agreements with Europe and East Asia.

Even politicians in Washington appear to be doing their job, albeit reluctantly, by sealing a deal on US government spending.

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