Leading executives globally are increasingly pessimistic about the economic outlook, with 58% expressing a negative view on the global economy, a significant 40 percentage point increase from Fall 2024. This sentiment underscores the critical need for adaptability and resilience in leadership, as highlighted by Brian Solis, who recently tweeted, "> CEOs identify adaptability and resilience as key leadership attributes in uncertain times," citing the Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey. The latest Spring 2025 edition of the survey reveals a notable shift in CEO confidence amidst a complex global landscape.
The Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey series, now in its 15th edition, consistently tracks the perspectives and strategic actions of CEOs from some of the world's largest and most influential companies, including Fortune 500 and Global 500 leaders. These surveys provide crucial insights into market outlooks, business opportunities, and the external factors shaping corporate strategy across more than 21 industries. The findings serve as a barometer for executive sentiment and strategic priorities.
Geopolitical instability continues to be identified as the top disruptor by CEOs, closely followed by potential inflation and broader financial market instability. In response to these persistent uncertainties, a substantial 89% of surveyed CEOs are actively exploring, piloting, or implementing agentic AI within their organizations, signaling a strong focus on technological integration for efficiency and innovation. This proactive embrace of new technologies demonstrates a commitment to adaptability in evolving business environments.
The current downturn in optimism contrasts sharply with the Fall 2024 survey, which saw a surge in CEO confidence, with 42% optimistic about the global economy and 84% positive about their company's performance. However, optimism regarding individual company performance has now fallen to 60% in the Spring 2025 survey, reflecting a broader impact of escalating global uncertainties. This fluctuation highlights the volatile nature of the current economic climate.
In navigating these challenges, CEOs are implementing strategic adjustments to bolster resilience. Approximately 71% plan to expand and diversify their supply chain operations to mitigate risks, while 42% intend to implement cost-cutting measures. Only 28% plan to increase prices, indicating a preference for internal efficiencies over external price adjustments. These actions collectively demonstrate a focus on strategic planning and risk management in an unpredictable world.