Despite a period of global change and uncertainty, CEOs are now said to be increasingly optimistic about their overall ability to effectively navigate new risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities. A survey shared by Deloitte finds CEOs looking ahead with a “renewed sense of optimism,” a sharp contrast from the pessimism recorded in previous surveys. According to the update from Deloitte, CEOs are now increasingly focusing on proper cost management, supply chain resilience and AI to “drive sustainable growth.”
Key takeaways from Deloitte’s research study:
Optimism for the global economy doubled to 28% from 14% in spring 2025
In response to current economic and trade policy uncertainties, “80% plan to implement cost-cutting measures, while 64% plan to raise prices on goods and services.”
Half of surveyed CEOs believe the impact of tariffs will have “an equal mix of benefits and risks for their organizations while 78% expect they’ll have fewer benefits than risks for the US economy.”
The survey released by Deloitte tracks the perspectives and actions of CEOs from “some of the world’s largest and most influential companies.”
The survey uncovers key insights into CEOs’ assessment of the economy, their company’s “performance, and perceived business risks and opportunities. Respondents represent executives across 19 industries.”
The pace and degree of change, along with “continued economic and geopolitical uncertainty, were cited CEOs’ top challenges,” according to the survey.
Business execs / industry leaders also pointed to various workforce concerns, such as “ongoing talent shortages, skillset gaps, and employees’ ability to adapt to the rate of change.”
Over two-thirds of surveyed CEOs (68%) expect AI to have a “moderate to significant impact on enterprise strategy, particularly in shaping long-term vision and growth.”
To measure that impact, 84% of leaders are tracking AI’s performance through cost savings and “operational efficiency, while 64% are evaluating employee AI adoption and use.”
Recognizing that transformation starts at the top, CEOs leading by example — 69% are “developing AI usage policies for their workplaces, and 56% are working to cultivate an ethical culture around AI.”
Although more than three-quarters or over 75% of surveyed CEOs do not expect tariffs to have a net positive impact on the US economy, “51% find that these policies could present an equal balance of benefits and risks for their own organizations.”
In response to the evolving environment, the majority or 80% of leaders said they “are likely to implement cost-cutting measures over the next year, while 64% say they’ll raise prices.”
Fielded between October 3-16, 2025, 69 CEOs representing “19 industries shared their perspectives, expectations, and priorities for the next 12 months.”
Business executives / professionals surveyed reportedly “include Fortune 500 CEOs, Global 500 CEOs, and select public and private CEOs in the global Fortune community.”
