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:
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.
C-Suite Perspectives / 10 Jul 2026
In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, we discuss the economic impact of the war in Iran and the broader geopolitical forces influencing markets and business.
C-Suite Perspectives / 06 Jul 2026
Board effectiveness is rising, but so are expectations, according to the latest research.
C-Suite Perspectives / 02 Jul 2026
In this episode we discuss how business leaders can balance sustainability investments with commercial success.
C-Suite Perspectives / 30 Jun 2026
How are US consumers feeling as summer begins — and what should business leaders know about the growing economic impact of extreme heat?
C-Suite Perspectives / 29 Jun 2026
Measuring your carbon footprint is only step one. Find out what it means to be carbon-fluent.
C-Suite Perspectives / 25 Jun 2026
In this episode we discuss the factors shaping consumer sentiment and consider what business leaders should be on the look out for.