Q1 2017 Vistage CEO Confidence Index Results: CEO Economic Confidence Reigns

Q1 2017 Vistage CEO Confidence Index Results :CEO Economic Confidence Reigns

A rebound in CEOs’ perceptions of economic growth combined with a more favorable outlook for the economy has created a new optimism. The Vistage CEO Confidence Index was 106.9 in the 1st quarter 2017 survey, slightly above the 105.2 in last quarter’s survey, and well above the 3rd quarter reading of 91.4. Although the surge in optimism has thus far only restored confidence to the highs recorded following the Great Recession, the return of optimism to the highs of the past few years has meant that CEOs anticipate favorable trends in their revenues and profits.

Q1 2017 Vistage CEO Confidence Index highlights include:

• Economic growth rebounds. 57% of CEOs expect the economy to post additional gains during the year ahead, more than twice the 23% who expected improvement a year ago.
• Robust hiring plans. 60% of all CEOs plan to expand their workforce in the year ahead.
• Record revenues and profits. 77% of CEOs expect increased revenue, and 64% expect increased profits in the year ahead.
• Strong investment spending. 47% of CEOs expect to increase investment expenditures in the next year, barely below the decade peak of 49% set in the closing quarter of 2014.

Since its establishment in 2003, the Index has proven to be a reliable leading indicator for changes in GDP and employment. (CEO Confidence Index is the red line.)

(Click the image above to view the Q1 2017 Vistage Confidence Index Infographic)