CEO Confidence Increased Slightly

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Jul 08, 2015, 10:00 ET

NEW YORK, July 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Conference Board and PwC Measure of CEO Confidence™, which had declined in the first quarter of 2015, increased slightly in the second quarter. The Measure now reads 58, up from 57 in the first quarter of 2015 (a reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses).

"Optimism among CEOs increased moderately in the second quarter with expectations for the U.S. and globally slightly more upbeat. However, the outlook for China remains cautious while expectations for Brazil remain negative," said Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. "More than two-thirds of CEOs expect profits will increase over the coming year, with market/demand growth and cost reductions the major driving forces."

CEOs' appraisal of current economic conditions was less positive than last quarter. Now, just 46 percent claim conditions are better compared to six months ago, down from 55 percent in the first quarter of the year. However, business leaders' assessment of conditions in their own industries was more positive, with 49 percent saying conditions in their own industries have improved, compared with 35 percent in the prior quarter.

CEOs were more optimistic overall regarding the short-term outlook than earlier this year. Slightly over 38 percent of business leaders anticipate economic conditions will improve over the next six months, up marginally from last quarter. Expectations for their own industries were more upbeat, with 40 percent of CEOs anticipating an improvement versus 34 percent in the first quarter of this year.

Global Outlook

CEOs were less positive in their assessment of current economic conditions for the U.S. and India, although overall sentiment remains in positive territory. Sentiment regarding Europe and Japan has shifted and is now more upbeat, but CEOs' assessment of current conditions in China and Brazil has grown more pessimistic, and remains in negative territory.

Looking ahead, CEO expectations for the U.S. and globally were more positive, but the outlook for China remains cautious and expectations for Brazil negative.

Market/Demand Growth and Cost Reductions Primary Drivers of Profit Growth

Regarding profit expectations over the next 12 months, 69 percent of CEOs surveyed expect profits will increase. Executives in the durable industries are more optimistic, with almost three out of four expecting profits to increase. About 70 percent of CEOs in the nondurables industry and 64 percent in services expect an increase in profits.

Among chief executive officers who expect profits to rise, 43 percent say market/demand growth will be the primary driving force, while 41 percent cite cost reductions. The remaining 16 percent are equally divided between new technology or price increases as the main source of improvement.

Survey results were fielded from mid-May to mid-June
Source: CEO Confidence Survey 2nd Quarter 2015
The Conference Board

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The Conference Board is a global, independent business membership and research association working in the public interest. Our mission is unique: To provide the world's leading organizations with the practical knowledge they need to improve their performance and better serve society. The Conference Board is a non-advocacy, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.conference-board.org

SOURCE The Conference Board