CEOs see recession, inflation as top 2024 threats
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Top executives globally rank recession and inflation as their top two external concerns for 2024, yet most say they lack preparedness for navigating these economic threats.
The Conference Board surveyed over 1,200 executives, including 630 CEOs, regarding their business outlook.
Despite recession and inflation topping worry lists, only 37% of U.S. CEOs and 27% globally say they are recession-ready.
Just 34% of U.S. chiefs and 27% globally feel prepared to handle high inflation.
To grow profits amid uncertainty, strategies include launching products and services for short term and investing in tech, boosting marketing, and entering new markets for long term.
In fact, global CEOs see a big return on investment in artificial intelligence (AI), with 91% believing it increases productivity.
Attracting and retaining talent stays the #1 internal focus area. Only 4% of U.S. CEOs will prioritize fully returning to offices.
While CEOs and boards align on education and economic opportunity as top ESG issues, boards feel less confident in corporate ESG effectiveness.
With wars in Ukraine and the Middle East key concerns abroad, America’s CEOs see the swelling national debt as the biggest geopolitical threat in 2024. Cyberattacks rank second.
