Source: Fortune
Summary
A recent survey of 141 CEOs found their confidence in the economy has decreased significantly between the first two quarters of 2026. The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence fell from 59 in Q1 to 47 in Q2. CEOs reported that the economy is materially worse now than it was six months ago and expected economic conditions to weaken further over the next six months. Their top concerns were cyber, geopolitical, and AI risks, as well as supply chain issues and energy concerns.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
CEOs are losing confidence in the economy, with 47% reporting that general economic conditions were worse than six months ago. Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc said the war in Iran is costing the company an extra $500 million a month. Three in 10 CEOs expected to reduce their workforce, while more than half said AI would not fundamentally transform their sectors. The CEOs’ perspectives on their own industries were also more pessimistic this quarter.
Business leaders are preparing for the worst, but still trying to maintain a sense of calm.
Author: Evan Null
