A new survey shows that corporate executives’ outlook on the US economy is improving, with the majority of chief executive officers (CEOs) believing that there will be no economic recession this year.
According to a survey released on Monday, June 9 by the business magazine “Chief Executive,” CEOs’ optimism about the economy is growing. Currently, only 28% of the respondents expect a short-term economic downturn, a significant decrease from 46% in May. Back in April, when US President Trump announced comprehensive tariffs on global trade partners, 62% of CEOs surveyed at that time anticipated a downturn in the US economy in the coming months.
In the June survey, while a minority of CEOs still predict some level of economic downturn in the next six months, none foresee a severe recession. On the contrary, an increasing number of CEOs are now predicting growth in the US economy by the end of the year, with 36% expecting moderate growth and 6% forecasting strong growth. This is a notable shift from the previous surveys, indicating a more positive outlook among business leaders.
CEOs’ optimism about the economy is based on their assessment of the current business environment, which has been improving for the third consecutive month. The evaluation rose to 5.3 in June, an 8% increase from May’s 5.0, though still lower than the 6.3 score at the beginning of the year by 15%.
Having weathered a period of increased tariff and trade uncertainties, US CEOs believe this volatility will be temporary, and as autumn approaches, both businesses and the US economy will have a clearer development path.
Among CEOs surveyed in June, 51% believe that with the progress in trade negotiations, the business environment will continue to improve, reaching a score of 5.8 in the coming months.
Chris Cummins, CEO of Micronics, a US computer company, stated: “Despite significant uncertainties in many end markets, I am optimistic about the long-term development direction and necessary adjustments being made to trade and economic policies.”
Michael Araten, CEO of “The Rodon Group,” a US company focusing on plastic injection molding, also expressed optimism, saying: “With the easing of the trade war and interest rate reductions, the business environment is expected to improve.”
The latest “CEO Confidence Index” survey conducted by “Chief Executive” magazine took place from June 3 to 4 and involved 277 US CEOs.