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CEO Confidence Plummets: 62% Predict Recession Ahead

4/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

62% of U.S. CEOs anticipate a recession within six months, a rise from 48% in March.
76% express concerns that President Trump's tariffs will harm their businesses by 2025.
CEO confidence in business conditions is at its lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting job cuts and reduced investments.
81% foresee rising inflation, expecting higher costs for goods and services this year.

History

Historical Context

In the late 1970s, the U.S. faced stagflation, marked by rising inflation and unemployment. Similar to today's CEO concerns about inflation and recession, that era prompted drastic monetary policy changes. Historical patterns show that economic uncertainty often leads to reduced business confidence and investment, echoing current CEO sentiments.

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Story summary

62% of U.S. CEOs anticipate a recession within six months, a rise from 48% in March.
76% express concerns that President Trump's tariffs will harm their businesses by 2025.
CEO confidence in business conditions is at its lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting job cuts and reduced investments.
81% foresee rising inflation, expecting higher costs for goods and services this year.

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