How Do CEOs Feel in Q4? In a Word, Uncertain
Our Privacy Policy has been updated! The Conference Board uses cookies to improve our website, enhance your experience, and deliver relevant messages and offers about our products. Detailed information on the use of cookies on this site is provided in our cookie policy. For more information on how The Conference Board collects and uses personal data, please visit our privacy policy. By continuing to use this Site or by clicking "OK", you acknowledge our privacy policy and consent to the use of cookies.  Our Privacy Policy has been updated! Detailed information on the use of cookies on this site is provided in our cookie policy and our privacy policy. 
TCB Tourch
Loading...
  • logoImage
  •  
    • US
    • EUROPE
    • ASIA
  • 2

    Close
    • Insights
        • Insights
        • Explore by Center
          • Explore by Center
          • CED
            Committee for Economic Development

          • Economy, Strategy & Finance

          • Governance & Sustainability

          • Human Capital

          • Marketing & Communications

        • Explore by Content Type
          • Explore by Content Type
          • Reports

          • Upcoming Webcasts

          • On Demand Webcasts

          • Podcasts

          • Charts & Infographics

        • Trending Topics
          • Trending Topics
          • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

          • Navigating Washington

          • Geopolitics

          • US Economic Forecast

          • Sustainability

          • Future of Work

    • Events
        • Events
        • Upcoming Events
          • Upcoming Events
          • People First: Opportunity and Access

          • CHRO Summit: Navigating through a Tsunami of Change

          • Future: People Asia

          • Executive Compensation in a Disruptive World

          • CED Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration

          • The 2025 IBI/Conference Board Health and Productivity Forum

          • Explore all Upcoming Events

        • Member-Exclusive Programs
          • Member-Exclusive Programs
          • Center Briefings

          • Experts Live

          • Roundtables

          • Working Groups

          • Expert Briefings

    • Data
        • Data
        • Consumer Confidence Index

        • Data Central

        • TCB Benchmarking

        • Employment Trends Index

        • Global Economic Outlook

        • Leading Economic Indicators

        • Help Wanted OnLine

        • Labor Markets

        • Measure of CEO Confidence

        • Human Capital Benchmarking &
          Data Analytics

        • CMO+CCO Meter Dashboard

    • Centers
        • Centers
        • Our Centers
          • Our Centers
          • Committee for Economic Development

          • Economy, Strategy & Finance

          • Governance & Sustainability

          • Human Capital

          • Marketing & Communications

        • Center Membership
          • Center Membership
          • What Is a Center?

          • Benefits of Center Membership

          • Join a Center

    • Councils
        • Councils
        • Find a Council
          • Find a Council
          • Economy, Strategy & Finance

          • Governance & Sustainability

          • Human Capital

          • Marketing & Communications

        • Council Membership
          • Council Membership
          • What is a Council?

          • Benefits of Council Membership

          • Apply to a Council

    • Membership
        • Membership
        • Why Become a Member?
          • Why Become a Member?
          • Benefits of Membership

          • Check if Your Organization is a Member

          • Speak to a Membership Associate

        • Types of Membership
          • Types of Membership
          • Council

          • Committee for Economic Development

          • Economy, Strategy & Finance

          • Governance & Sustainability

          • Human Capital

          • Marketing & Communications

          • Insights

        • Already a Member?
          • Already a Member?
          • Sign In to myTCB®

          • Executive Communities

          • Member-Exclusive Programs

    • About Us
        • About Us
        • Who We Are
          • Who We Are
          • About Us

          • In the News

          • Press Releases

          • Our History

          • Support Our Work

          • Locations

          • Contact Us

        • Our Community
          • Our Community
          • Our Leadership

          • Our Experts

          • Trustees

          • Voting Members

          • Global Counsellors

          • Careers

          • This Week @ TCB

    • Careers
    • This Week @ TCB
    • Sign In to myTCB®
      • US
      • EUROPE
      • ASIA
    • Insights
      • Insights
      • Explore by Center
        • Explore by Center
        • CED
          Committee for Economic Development

        • Economy, Strategy & Finance

        • Governance & Sustainability

        • Human Capital

        • Marketing & Communications

      • Explore by Content Type
        • Explore by Content Type
        • Reports

        • Upcoming Webcasts

        • On Demand Webcasts

        • Podcasts

        • Charts & Infographics

      • Trending Topics
        • Trending Topics
        • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

        • Navigating Washington

        • Geopolitics

        • US Economic Forecast

        • Sustainability

        • Future of Work

    • Events
      • Events
      • Upcoming Events
        • Upcoming Events
        • People First: Opportunity and Access

        • CHRO Summit: Navigating through a Tsunami of Change

        • Future: People Asia

        • Executive Compensation in a Disruptive World

        • CED Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration

        • The 2025 IBI/Conference Board Health and Productivity Forum

        • Explore all Upcoming Events

      • Member-Exclusive Programs
        • Member-Exclusive Programs
        • Center Briefings

        • Experts Live

        • Roundtables

        • Working Groups

        • Expert Briefings

    • Data
      • Data
      • Consumer Confidence Index

      • Data Central

      • TCB Benchmarking

      • Employment Trends Index

      • Global Economic Outlook

      • Leading Economic Indicators

      • Help Wanted OnLine

      • Labor Markets

      • Measure of CEO Confidence

      • Human Capital Benchmarking & Data Analytics

      • CMO+CCO Meter Dashboard

    • Centers
      • Centers
      • Our Centers
        • Our Centers
        • Committee for Economic Development

        • Economy, Strategy & Finance

        • Governance & Sustainability

        • Human Capital

        • Marketing & Communications

      • Center Membership
        • Center Membership
        • What is a Center?

        • Benefits of Center Membership

        • Join a Center

    • Councils
      • Councils
      • Find a Council
        • Find a Council
        • Economy, Strategy & Finance

        • Governance & Sustainability

        • Human Capital

        • Marketing & Communications

      • Council Membership
        • Council Membership
        • What is a Council?

        • Benefits of Council Membership

        • Apply to a Council

    • Membership
      • Membership
      • Why Become a Member?
        • Why Become a Member?
        • Benefits of Membership

        • Check if Your Organization is a Member

        • Speak to a Membership Associate

      • Types of Membership
        • Types of Membership
        • Council

        • Committee for Economic Development

        • Economy, Strategy & Finance

        • Governance & Sustainability

        • Human Capital

        • Marketing & Communications

        • Insights

      • Already a Member?
        • Already a Member?
        • Sign In to myTCB®

        • Executive Communities

        • Member-Exclusive Programs

    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Who We Are
        • Who We Are
        • About Us

        • In the News

        • Press Releases

        • This Week @ TCB

        • Our History

        • Support Our Work

        • Locations

        • Contact Us

      • Our Community
        • Our Community
        • Our Leadership

        • Our Experts

        • Trustees

        • Voting Members

        • Global Counsellors

        • Careers

        • This Week @ TCB

    • Careers
    • Sign In to myTCB®
    • Download TCB Insights App
  • Insights
    Insights

    Our research and analysis have helped the world's leading companies navigate challenges and seize opportunities for over 100 years.

    Explore All Research

    Economic Indicators

    • Explore by Center
    • CED
      Committee for Economic Development
    • Economy, Strategy & Finance
    • Governance & Sustainability
    • Human Capital
    • Marketing & Communications
    • Explore by Content Type
    • Reports
    • Upcoming Webcasts
    • On Demand Webcasts
    • Podcasts
    • Charts & Infographics
    • Trending Topics
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Navigating Washington
    • Geopolitics
    • US Economic Forecast
    • Sustainability
    • Future of Work
  • Events
    Events

    Our in-person and virtual events offer unmatched opportunities for professional development, featuring top experts and practitioners.

    See Everything Happening This Week

    Sponsor a Program

    • Upcoming Events
    • People First: Opportunity and Access

      June 12 - 13, 2025

      CHRO Summit: Navigating through a Tsunami of Change

      June 24, 2025

      Future: People Asia

      September 04 - 05, 2025

    •  
    • Executive Compensation in a Disruptive World

      September 16 - 17, 2025

      CED Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration

      October 08, 2025

      The 2025 IBI/Conference Board Health and Productivity Forum

      October 16 - 17, 2025

    • Member-Exclusive Programs
    • Center Briefings
    • Experts Live
    • Roundtables
    • Working Groups
    • Expert Briefings
    • Explore by Type
    • Events
    • Webcasts
    • Podcasts
    • Member-Exclusive Programs
    • Center Briefings
    • Experts Live
    • Roundtables
    • Working Groups
    • Expert Briefings
  • Data
    Corporate Disclosure Data

    TCB Benchmarking

    Real-time data & analytical tools to benchmark your governance, compensation, environmental, human capital management (HCM) and social practices against US public companies.

    Economic Data

    All Data

    See current direction and trends across key indicators

    Consumer Confidence Index

    US consumers' thoughts on the economy, jobs, finances and more

    Data Central

    One-stop, member-exclusive portal for the entire suite of indicators

    Labor Markets

    Covering all aspects of labor markets, from monthly development to long-term trends

    Measure of CEO Confidence

    Examines the health of the US economy from the perspective of CEOs

     

    Recession & Growth Trackers

    See the current and future state of 16 economies.

    Global Economic Outlook

    Track the latest short-, medium-, and long-term growth outlooks for 77 economies

    Leading Economic Indicators

    Track the state of the business cycle for 12 global economies across Asia and Europe

    Help Wanted OnLine

    Track the status of job markets across the US through online job listings

    Other Featured Data

    Human Capital Analytics Tools

    Tools to understand human capital management and corporate performance

    CMO+CCO Meter Dashboard

    Tracks the impact, resources, and satisfaction of CMOs and CCOs

  • Centers
    Centers

    Centers offer access to world-class experts, research, events, and senior executive communities.

    Our Centers
    • Committee for Economic Development
    • Economy, Strategy & Finance
    • Governance & Sustainability
    • Human Capital
    • Marketing & Communications
    Center Membership
    • What Is a Center?
    • Benefits of Center Membership
    • Join a Center
  • Councils
    Councils

    Councils are invitation-only, peer-led communities of senior executives that come together to exchange knowledge, accelerate career development, and advance their function.

    Find a Council
    • Economy, Strategy & Finance
    • Governance & Sustainability
    • Human Capital
    • Marketing & Communications
    Council Membership
    • What Is a Council?
    • Benefits of Council Membership
    • Apply to a Council
  • Membership
    Membership

    Membership in The Conference Board arms your team with an arsenal of knowledge, networks, and expertise that's unmatched in scope and depth.

    • Why Become a Member?
    • Benefits of Membership
    • Check if Your Organization is a Member
    • Speak to a Membership Associate
    • Types of Membership
    • Council
    • Committee for Economic Development
    • Economy, Strategy & Finance
    • Governance & Sustainability
    • Human Capital
    • Marketing & Communications
    • Insights
    • TCB Advisory
    • Already a Member?
    • Sign in to myTCB®
    • Executive Communities
    • Member-Exclusive Programs
  • About Us
    About Us

    The Conference Board is the global, nonprofit think tank and business membership organization that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead®. For over 100 years, our cutting-edge research, data, events and executive networks have helped the world's leading companies understand the present and shape the future.

    Learn more about Membership

    • Who We Are
    • About Us
    • In the News
    • Press Releases
    • Our History
    • Support Our Work
    • Locations
    • Contact Us
    • Our Community
    • Our Leadership
    • Our Experts
    • Trustees
    • Voting Members
    • Careers
    • This Week @ TCB
Check if You're a Member
Create Account
Forgot Your Password?

Members of The Conference Board get exclusive access to the full range of products and services that deliver Trusted Insights for What's Ahead ® including webcasts, publications, data and analysis, plus discounts to conferences and events.

C-SUITE PERSPECTIVES

How Do CEOs Feel in Q4? In a Word, Uncertain

Top CEOs remain wary about the economy despite a strong Q3. What's holding them back?

  • Email
  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Copy Link
  • Transcript

Top CEOs remain wary about the economy despite a strong Q3. What's holding them back? 

 

CEO confidence dipped in Q4, as measured by The Conference Board, with most CEOs saying conditions have worsened in the past six months. Why hasn’t recent economic data buoyed CEOs’ spirits, and what concerns them most as we head into 2025?   

 

00:00 Introduction to the CEO Survey

01:02 Current CEO Confidence Levels

02:44 Economic Forecasts and CEO Sentiments

04:04 Consumer Behavior and Housing Market Insights

06:46 Business Investment and Election Uncertainty

09:09 Labor Market Conditions and Skill Shortages

11:17 Labor Shortages and Wage Increases

12:24 Economic Adjustments Post-Pandemic

13:16 Consumer Spending and CEO Confidence

15:43 Remote Work Trends

18:45 Key Risks for CEOs

21:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

Join Steve Odland and guest Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, to find out what we can learn from the latest Measure of CEO Confidence™, how CEOs plan to address headcount and wages next year, and why cybersecurity and geopolitics remain the top two risks. 

 

For more from The Conference Board: 

  • CEO Confidence Survey 

  • The Conference Board Economic Forecast for the US Economy 

  • US Consumer Confidence 

 
How Do CEOs Feel in Q4? In a Word, Uncertain

Don’t miss an episode of C-Suite Perspectives

Sign Up for Episode Alerts

Listen on

Top CEOs remain wary about the economy despite a strong Q3. What's holding them back? 

 

CEO confidence dipped in Q4, as measured by The Conference Board, with most CEOs saying conditions have worsened in the past six months. Why hasn’t recent economic data buoyed CEOs’ spirits, and what concerns them most as we head into 2025?   

 

00:00 Introduction to the CEO Survey

01:02 Current CEO Confidence Levels

02:44 Economic Forecasts and CEO Sentiments

04:04 Consumer Behavior and Housing Market Insights

06:46 Business Investment and Election Uncertainty

09:09 Labor Market Conditions and Skill Shortages

11:17 Labor Shortages and Wage Increases

12:24 Economic Adjustments Post-Pandemic

13:16 Consumer Spending and CEO Confidence

15:43 Remote Work Trends

18:45 Key Risks for CEOs

21:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

Join Steve Odland and guest Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, to find out what we can learn from the latest Measure of CEO Confidence™, how CEOs plan to address headcount and wages next year, and why cybersecurity and geopolitics remain the top two risks. 

 

For more from The Conference Board: 

  • CEO Confidence Survey 

  • The Conference Board Economic Forecast for the US Economy 

  • US Consumer Confidence 

 

Return to podcast series

Experts in this series

Join experts from The Conference Board as they share Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®

Steve Odland

Steve Odland

President and CEO
The Conference Board, Inc.

Read Bio

Dana M. Peterson

Dana M. Peterson

Chief Economist and Leader, Economy, Strategy & Fi…
The Conference Board…

Read Bio

C-Suite Perspectives

C-Suite Perspectives is a series hosted by our President & CEO, Steve Odland. This weekly conversation takes an objective, data-driven look at a range of business topics aimed at executives. Listeners will come away with what The Conference Board does best: Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®.

C-Suite Perspectives provides unique insights for C-Suite executives on timely topics that matter most to businesses as selected by The Conference Board. If you would like to suggest a guest for the podcast series, please email csuite.perspectives@conference-board.org. Note: As a non-profit organization under 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, The Conference Board cannot promote or offer marketing opportunities to for-profit entities.


Episodes

  • What’s Russia’s Next Move in Ukraine—and in Europe?

    C-Suite Perspectives / 19 May 2025

    Find out the major issues prolonging the Russia-Ukraine war and the potential Russian threat to Finland and the Baltics.

    • Email
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Copy Link
    • Transcript
  • What's on the White House Agenda for the Next 100 Days?

    C-Suite Perspectives / 12 May 2025

    As the Trump presidency enters its second 100 days, what should we expect next?

    • Email
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Copy Link
    • Transcript
  • CHROs in the Boardroom: What’s Trending, What’s Next?

    C-Suite Perspectives / 05 May 2025

    How can CHROs continue being a strategic partner while helping companies navigate the future of work?

    • Email
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Copy Link
    • Transcript
  • The State of the Economy for April 2025

    C-Suite Perspectives / 29 Apr 2025

    Consumer confidence declined for a fifth consecutive month in April. Learn how this could shape US and global economic growth this year.

    • Email
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Copy Link
    • Transcript
  • Why Change Management Is More Important Than Ever

    C-Suite Perspectives / 28 Apr 2025

    learn about change management’s history, how to win employee buy-in, and how HR leaders can help organizations adapt.

    • Email
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Copy Link
    • Transcript
  • e.l.f. Beauty CEO: Purpose and Growth Go Hand in Hand

    C-Suite Perspectives / 21 Apr 2025

    Find out how e.l.f. aligns its purpose with customer values, how the company formulates products that are clean, vegan, and cruelty-free.

    • Email
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Copy Link
    • Transcript
View more episodes

Other Related Resources

Podcasts

S2E4 - Will Marketing Survive AI Agents?

S2E4 - Will Marketing Survive AI Agents?

May 08, 2025

Brief

Jobs Report: April Showers, Tariff Storm Looms

Jobs Report: April Showers, Tariff Storm Looms

May 02, 2025

Report

China Center Quarterly Consumption Roundup - Q1 2025

China Center Quarterly Consumption Roundup - Q1 2025

April 29, 2025

Podcasts

S2E2 - Is the AI Bubble About to Burst?

S2E2 - Is the AI Bubble About to Burst?

April 11, 2025

Brief

March Payrolls: The Calm Before the Tariff Storm

March Payrolls: The Calm Before the Tariff Storm

April 04, 2025

Article

Immigration Curbs Could Squeeze the Tight Labor Market

Immigration Curbs Could Squeeze the Tight Labor Market

March 11, 2025

Brief

February Jobs Report Hints at Growing Uncertainty

February Jobs Report Hints at Growing Uncertainty

March 07, 2025

Podcasts

Are You Optimistic About the Economy? Most CEOs Are

Are You Optimistic About the Economy? Most CEOs Are

February 24, 2025

Brief

Q4 ECI Wage Deceleration Slows

Q4 ECI Wage Deceleration Slows

February 07, 2025

Brief

Stability Underneath January’s Noisy Jobs Report

Stability Underneath January’s Noisy Jobs Report

February 07, 2025

Article

Economy Watch: European View (January 2025)

Economy Watch: European View (January 2025)

January 21, 2025

Brief

Robust Job Gains Close 2024

Robust Job Gains Close 2024

January 10, 2025

Report

Global Economic Outlook 2024 to 2039: China Edition

Global Economic Outlook 2024 to 2039: China Edition

December 10, 2024

Brief

November Job Gains Rebound from Disruptions

November Job Gains Rebound from Disruptions

December 06, 2024

Report

China Consumption Monthly Roundup | November 2024

China Consumption Monthly Roundup | November 2024

November 26, 2024

Podcasts

Unpacking 2024’s Election Polling with Ipsos’ Clifford Young

Unpacking 2024’s Election Polling with Ipsos’ Clifford Young

November 25, 2024

Report

Global Economic Outlook 2025 to 2039: Opportunities, Caveats, and Uncertainties

Global Economic Outlook 2025 to 2039: Opportunities, Caveats, and Uncertainties

November 12, 2024

Chart

Hybrid 2.0 Optimize Not Compromise

Hybrid 2.0 Optimize Not Compromise

November 05, 2024

Brief

Storms and Strikes Muddy October Jobs Report

Storms and Strikes Muddy October Jobs Report

November 01, 2024

Article

Economy Watch: European View (October 2024)

Economy Watch: European View (October 2024)

October 11, 2024

Brief

Sept Booming Job Gains Underscore US Economy’s Resilience

Sept Booming Job Gains Underscore US Economy’s Resilience

October 04, 2024

Podcasts

S2E4 - Will Marketing Survive AI Agents?

S2E4 - Will Marketing Survive AI Agents?

May 08, 2025

Brief

Jobs Report: April Showers, Tariff Storm Looms

Jobs Report: April Showers, Tariff Storm Looms

May 02, 2025

Report

China Center Quarterly Consumption Roundup - Q1 2025

China Center Quarterly Consumption Roundup - Q1 2025

April 29, 2025

Upcoming Webcasts

Labor Markets Watch: Trade Wars, Industrial Agendas, and Workforce Readiness

Labor Markets Watch: Trade Wars, Industrial Agendas, and Workforce Readiness

May 21, 2025

Upcoming Webcasts

Labor Markets Watch

Labor Markets Watch

August 06, 2025

On Demand Webcasts

Economy Watch: US Federal Job Cuts & Labor Market Anxiety

Economy Watch: US Federal Job Cuts & Labor Market Anxiety

May 14, 2025

Councils

Chief Operating Officers Council

Chief Operating Officers Council

Councils

Divisional CFO Council

Divisional CFO Council

Upcoming Webcasts


Labor Markets Watch: Trade Wars, Industrial Agendas, and Workforce Readiness

Labor Markets Watch: Trade Wars, Industrial Agendas, and Workforce Readiness

May 21, 2025

Upcoming Webcasts


Labor Markets Watch

Labor Markets Watch

August 06, 2025

On Demand Webcasts


Economy Watch: US Federal Job Cuts & Labor Market Anxiety

Economy Watch: US Federal Job Cuts & Labor Market Anxiety

May 14, 2025

Conference Board Sample Web Chat
chatbot-Icon TCB Logo
chatbot-Icon
Navigating Washington - Sign up to receive the latest business insights related to executive orders, new laws, and changing regulations.
ABOUT US
  • Who We Are
  • Annual Report
  • Our History
  • Our Experts
  • Our Leadership
  • In the News
  • Press Releases
MEMBERSHIP
  • Become a Member
  • Sign In to myTCB®
  • Access Experts
  • Member-Only Events
  • Data & Benchmarking
  • Manage Account
EXPLORE
  • Centers
  • Councils
  • Latest Research
  • Events
  • Webcasts
  • Podcasts
  • This Week @ TCB
CONTACT US
  • Americas
    +1 212 759 0900
    customer.service@tcb.org
  • Europe/Africa/Middle East
    +32 2 675 5405
    brussels@tcb.org
  • Asia
    Hong Kong | +852 2804 1000
    Singapore | +65 8298 3403
    service.ap@tcb.org
CAREERS
  • See Open Positions
Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Event Code of Conduct | Trademarks
© 2025 The Conference Board Inc. All rights reserved. The Conference Board and torch logo are registered trademarks of The Conference Board.
The use of all The Conference Board data and materials is subject to the Terms of Use. Reprint requests are reviewed individually and may be subject to additional fees.The Conference Board reserves the right to deny any request.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Event Code of Conduct | Trademarks
© 2025 The Conference Board Inc. All rights reserved. The Conference Board and torch logo are registered trademarks of The Conference Board.
The use of all data from The Conference Board data and materials is subject to the Terms of Use. Reprint requests are reviewed individually and may be subject to additional fees.The Conference Board reserves the right to deny any request.

Thank you for signing up. You will now receive CEO Insights for What's Ahead every Wednesday morning. You can unsubscribe at any time or manage your preferences to receive more content from The Conference Board.

Announcing The Conference Board AI Virtual Conference Series

Explore the Impact of AI on Your Business

Members receive complimentary registration - Learn more >>