Accounting
CEOs More Confident in 2014 Business & Economic Growth
The Conference Board and PwC Measure of CEO Confidence , which had pulled back in the third quarter, increased in the fourth quarter of 2013. The Measure now stands at 60, up from 54 in the previous quarter (a reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses).
Jan. 31, 2014
The Conference Board and PwC Measure of CEO Confidence , which had pulled back in the third quarter, increased in the fourth quarter of 2013. The Measure now stands at 60, up from 54 in the previous quarter (a reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses).
“CEO confidence bounced back in the fourth quarter as the pre-government shutdown uncertainty that was prevalent in Q3 abated,” said Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. “CEOs' expectations for growth in the U.S., Europe, Japan and China remain upbeat, but sentiment is still negative regarding India and Brazil's short-term growth prospects.”
CEOs' assessment of current economic conditions increased significantly. Now, 44 percent say conditions are better compared to six months ago, up from 33 percent in the third quarter. Business leaders are also more positive about conditions in their own industries. Approximately 41 percent say conditions in their own industries have improved, up from 32 percent last quarter.
CEOs' short-term outlook has also improved. Currently, 50 percent of business leaders expect economic conditions to improve over the next six months, up from 42 percent in the third quarter. Expectations for their own industries are also more upbeat, with 47 percent of CEOs anticipating an improvement in conditions in the months ahead, up from 34 percent last quarter.
Global Outlook
CEOs were more positive in their assessment of current economic conditions across the board, with the United States, Europe and Japan rated the most favorably. Sentiment regarding conditions in China rebounded, but is not quite yet positive. CEO sentiment regarding conditions in India improved, but like for Brazil, remain negative.
Expectations over the next six months slightly improved for all regions except Japan, which was unchanged. However, the outlook for India and Brazil remains pessimistic.