Economic Conundrum: Only Slightly More Optimistic CEOs

The assessment of current economic conditions remained virtually unchanged. Roughly 52% of the CEOs claimed that economic conditions were better compared to six months ago, and about the same as in the third quarter.

Conditions in their respective industries increased slightly, with 43% saying conditions in their own industries have improved, more than 41% in the previous quarter.

CEOs expectations for the short-term outlook were more optimistic. Approximately 49% of the business leaders anticipated that economic conditions will improve over the next six months, an increase from 44% in the previous quarter. However, 46% expect conditions to remain the same. Expectations for their respective industries remain low, with 36% of CEOs anticipating an improvement, up from 34% in the third quarter. About 53% expect no change in conditions.

The Conference Board said in its press release:

Optimism among CEOs increased moderately in the final quarter of 2014. Expectations for growth prospects in the U.S. are slightly more upbeat, but less positive for Europe, China, Brazil and Japan. The majority of business leaders expect to increase selling prices in 2015, but only by about 1.4%.

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