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CEO Confidence Dips as Stagflation Fears Rise

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Conference Board and The Business Council report CEO confidence among 130 Fortune 500 CEOs has fallen to 48% under President Donald Trump, a one-point drop from the prior quarter.
64% of CEOs expect stagflation within 18 months, driven by turbulent international trade policies.
The administration's tariffs, particularly the "Independence Day" tariffs, have contributed to this uncertainty.
Only 22% of respondents foresee a balanced economy with gradual inflation reduction.
Executives remain skeptical about the administration's direction amid fluctuating policies.

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Story summary

The Conference Board and The Business Council report CEO confidence among 130 Fortune 500 CEOs has fallen to 48% under President Donald Trump, a one-point drop from the prior quarter.
64% of CEOs expect stagflation within 18 months, driven by turbulent international trade policies.
The administration's tariffs, particularly the "Independence Day" tariffs, have contributed to this uncertainty.
Only 22% of respondents foresee a balanced economy with gradual inflation reduction.
Executives remain skeptical about the administration's direction amid fluctuating policies.