> US companies aren't spending because they don't want to spend. They aren't hiring because they are productive enough and are profitable enough without hiring.

Companies spend more and hire more when it's necessary to meet additional demand. If there is no additional demand, then they don't. It's not because they don't want to spend or are content with existing profits, it's because consumer demand is currently very weak. With 40% of US mortgages underwater, it's going to take a while before consumer demand strengthens again.