This year, CEOs in the U.S. and globally are most worried about a recession and inflation, according to a survey from The Conference Board.
The nonprofit business research group asked 1,247 C-suite executives from around the world, including 630 CEOs, about their top business threats and opportunities in 2024. The survey took place between mid-November and mid-December. Respondents were primarily from the U.S., Latin America, Japan and Europe. Forty-five percent of CEO respondents are in business and professional services, which includes healthcare, 34% are in manufacturing industries and 14% are in financial services.
The external factors or issues that surveyed U.S. CEOs said they believe will have the greatest effect on their business in 2024:
Note: The list includes ties.
1. Economic downturn/recession: 55%
2. Inflation: 39%
3. Rapidly advancing AI technology: 32%
4. Higher borrowing costs: 28%
4. Higher labor costs: 28%
6. Shifting consumer/customer buying behaviors: 21%
7. Global political instability: 20%
7. Labor shortages: 20%
9. Regulation domestically (within your country): 17%
10. Political uncertainty in the region(s) you operate in: 16%
Read more about the survey findings here.