CEO Confidence Hits 48% — Somewhere Between Panic and Mild Stagflation
From Sept. 22 to Oct. 6, 130 Fortune Global 500 CEOs, mostly in the U.S., took a group therapy survey and revealed their economic anxiety. Confidence cratered one point to a spooky 48, confirming that a majority are prepping for stagflation, aka the economy's version of a hangover: mild slowdown with inflation pressure hitting like an unwanted party guest. Meanwhile, only 22% fantasize about a 'balanced economy'—which might as well be unicorn territory. Chief worries? Tariffs dancing like a confused DJ on the trade floor, AI promising to slash jobs 'fundamentally' in five years (but only 9% woke up to that reality yet), and geopolitical drama that’s more unpredictable than a reality TV reunion. Stephanie Guichard of the Conference Board summed it up: economic policy has been changing so fast lately, CEOs don’t know if they’re investing, firing, crying, or all three simultaneously.
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CEOs prepping for stagflation like it’s the sequel nobody asked for while 81% believe AI is coming for their jobs—just not anytime soon. Meanwhile, tariffs play musical chairs and the economy’s confidence score is stuck in the negatives. Party’s over, folks.
Watching CEOs plan for stagflation is like seeing people put sunscreen on during a thunderstorm—hopeful but deeply confused about what’s really coming.
81% fear AI will demolish their jobs in 5 years but only 9% see the destruction now. CEOs treating AI like a delayed hurricane that’s always 'coming soon'.
Source: Axios | Published: 10/16/2025 | Author: Emily Peck
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