Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey: Spring 2025
Economic uncertainty drives down CEO optimism
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Key insights
Outlook and disruptors: CEOs continue to rate geopolitical instability as the top disruptor, followed by potential inflation, and other sources of potential financial and market instability, similar to the Summer 2024 survey. One CEO shared that “economic uncertainty makes short-term forecasts and strategic planning more challenging.” There was also a significant decrease in concern about environmental matters (e.g., weather-related events, regulatory and reporting requirements, stakeholder expectations) as a top business disruptor, dropping to 2% from 14% in Summer 2024.
Taking action in uncertainty: In an era of uncertainty, CEOs are thoughtfully assessing strategies to manage costs and make strategic investment decisions. Forty-two percent say they are planning to implement cost-cutting measures, while only 28% say they plan to raise consumer prices on goods and services. Sixty-two percent plan to maintain current investments for the next 12 months, while 23% plan to postpone any major investments for the next three to six months.
AI journey continues: CEOs continue to invest in and reap the rewards of Artificial Intelligence, with almost two-thirds reporting that Generative AI (GenAI) has delivered value to their organizations. Nine in ten CEOs also say their organizations are considering or implementing agentic AI, with one in ten planning to have at least one business function fully implemented with the technology by the end of the year. Regardless of how they assessed GenAI’s expected impact on their organizations, CEOs are actively exploring the next evolution of AI for their businesses.
Statistics that stand out
58%
of CEOs surveyed are pessimistic about the global economy over the next 12 months, an increase of 40 percentage points from Fall 2024.
60%
of CEOs are optimistic about their company performance, dropping from 84% in Fall 2024.
89%
of CEOs are exploring, piloting, or implementing agentic AI within their organizations.
71%
of CEOs are planning to adjust their supply chain operations given current economic and trade policy uncertainties, and only 28% plan to increase prices.
Jason Girzadas, CEO, Deloitte US
Recent shifts in policy, evolving trade dynamics, and heightened economic uncertainty have significantly dampened CEO optimism. In this environment, the key takeaway is the critical need for adaptability and forward-thinking leadership. By embracing change and innovation, there is an opportunity to transform uncertainty into a catalyst for sustainable long-term growth.
About the survey
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About the Chief Executive Program
Deloitte’s Chief Executive Program is a suite of innovative insights and immersive experiences to help CEOs, business unit leaders, and organizations fulfill their potential. More than 500 CEOs and large-scale business unit leaders have turned to the Chief Executive Program for support throughout their tenure.
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