Nearly 60% of global CEOs optimistic about economy
Chief executives around the world expect global economic growth to increase over the next 12 months, according to PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey, launched at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.
The report, which surveyed 4,701 chief executives across 109 countries and territories, including in Bermuda and the Caribbean, found 58 per cent were positive about growth and 42 per cent expected to increase headcount by 5 per cent or more over the next year – more than double the proportion who expect headcount decreases (17 per cent), and up from 39 per cent last year.
Within the global financial services sector, 64 per cent of chief executives believe economic growth globally will increase, and in the Caribbean region, 67 per cent agree it will improve.
PwC’s survey found that insurance and reinsurance chief executives were more confident in their company's revenue growth over the next 12 months (56 per cent) compared with all chief executives globally (38 per cent).
However, leaders in the Insurance industry were twice as likely (30 per cent) to anticipate high exposure to climate change risks in the next year compared with the global average (14 per cent).
Arthur Wightman, territory leader, PwC Bermuda, said: “We are in a time of opportunity and technological change. Businesses globally and in Bermuda need to fundamentally reinvent how they create value if they are to thrive in the future.
“As CEOs embrace change and new technologies, PwC’s role is to guide clients through critical decisions and help them seize emerging opportunities.
“Collaboration across borders, industries and disciplines is essential to delivering bold, market-leading solutions."
While chief executives generally are optimistic about the global economy, they sited macroeconomic volatility (29 per cent) and inflation (27 per cent) as the top risks for the year ahead.
Mohamed Kande, global chairman, PwC, said: “This year’s CEO survey findings highlight a stark juxtaposition – business leaders around the world are optimistic about the year ahead but also know they must reinvent how they create, deliver and capture value.
“Emerging technologies such as GenAI, shifts in geopolitics, and the climate transition are all revolutionising how the economy works. New business ecosystems are forming, transforming how companies compete and create value.
“To thrive, business leaders must act now and take bold decisions around their strategy, ranging from people, footprint and supply chain, right through to reinventing their business model.”
• For more on the PwC 2025 Global CEO Survey, see Related Media
You must be Registered or to post comment or to vote.
