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CEOs Upbeat About Global Economy

Many plan headcount increases and continued AI rollout.

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Almost 60% of CEOs around the world expect global economic growth to increase over the next 12 months. That’s according to PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey, whose results were unveiled at the start of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

The report, which surveyed 4701 CEOs across 109 countries and territories, also finds that 42% expect to increase headcount by 5% or more in the next 12 months – more than double the proportion who expect headcount decreases (17%), and up from 39% last year. The percentage is highest (48%) among smaller companies (less than $100 million) and those in the technology (61%), real estate (61%), private equity (52%) and pharma and life sciences (51%) sectors.

While CEOs are optimistic about the global economy, macroeconomic volatility (29%) and inflation (27%) nevertheless remain the top risks for the year ahead cited by CEOs globally, but with clear differences between regions. Geopolitical conflict is seen as the biggest risk in the Middle East (41%) and Central and Eastern Europe (34%). In Western Europe, cyber risk (27%) is a marginally higher concern than a lack of skilled workers (25%) and inflation (24%) – with macroeconomic volatility topping the list at 29%. Inflation is the top concern in Africa (39%), while North America and Asia-Pacific prioritize risks largely in line with the global averages.

“This year’s CEO Survey findings highlight a stark juxtaposition – business leaders around the world are optimistic about the year ahead, but also know they must reinvent how they create, deliver and capture value,” said PwC Global Chairman Mohamed Kande. “Emerging technologies such as GenAI, shifts in geopolitics and the climate transition are all revolutionizing how the economy works.”

Click here for more from the survey.

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