CEO Economic Outlook Index

The Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Index is based on a survey — conducted quarterly since the fourth quarter of 2002 — of our member CEOs’ plans for hiring and capital spending, and their expectations for sales, over the next six months. Taking these factors together, the survey signals the direction of the U.S. economy.

Business Roundtable Releases First Quarter 2010 CEO Economic Outlook Survey

Increased sales, capital spending, employment outlooks drive rise in economic index.

Washington – The CEOs of America’s leading companies anticipate increased capital expenditures, sales and employment in the next six months, according to the results of Business Roundtable’s first quarter 2010 CEO Economic Outlook Survey.

“As the economy recovers and demand returns, we are seeing across-the-board increases in sales, resulting in increased capital expenditures, less job reduction and some employment stabilization,” said Ivan G. Seidenberg, Chairman of Business Roundtable and Chairman and CEO of Verizon Communications. “This survey shows each category of economic measurement moving in the right direction.”

Survey Results

The survey’s key findings from this quarter and last quarter include:

The CEOs employment outlook, in particular, has risen over the past year:

In terms of the overall U.S. economy, member CEOs estimate real GDP will grow by 2.3 percent in 2010.

 

First Quarter 2010 CEO Economic Outlook Index

The Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Survey’s Index expanded to 88.9 in the first quarter of 2010, up from 71.5 in the fourth quarter of 2009, and 44.9 in the third quarter.

The Index is a composite diffusion index that combines member CEO projections for sales, capital spending and employment in the six months ahead. The Index is centered on 50, and results can range from negative 50 to positive 150. An Index reading of 50 or lower is consistent with overall economic contraction and a reading of 50 or higher is consistent with expansion.

Business Roundtable’s CEO Economic Outlook Survey, conducted quarterly since the fourth quarter of 2002, provides a forward-looking view of the economic outlook of Business Roundtable member CEOs.

The survey was completed between March 15 and March 30. The percentages in some categories may not equal 100 due to rounding.

Past Surveys

2024 Q1 2023 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2022 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2021 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2020 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2019 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2018 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2016 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2015 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2014 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2013 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2012 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2011 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2010 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2009 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2008 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2007 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

We use cookies to give you the best experience when using our website. You can click “Accept” if you agree to allow us to place cookies. For more information, please see our Cookie Notice.