2011 Ends on a High Note: Will CEO Confidence Continue Its Rise?
December saw a 4.9 percent increase, but fewer CEOs are expecting an increase in revenues, profits and capital expenditures. As one CEO put it, “Uncertainty is the watch word.”
December saw a 4.9 percent increase, but fewer CEOs are expecting an increase in revenues, profits and capital expenditures. As one CEO put it, “Uncertainty is the watch word.”
Confidence is on the upswing in November with a 7.1 percent jump in expected improvement for overall business conditions. Optimism is up in terms of revenues, profit, and capital expenditures. Over 40 percent of CEOs plan to increase hiring.
The CEO Confidence Index leveled out at 4.88 out of 10 after a steady decline through 2011. Almost half of CEOs expect not to do any hiring over the next 12 months. Fifty-four percent expect to see an increase and revenues and 46 percent expect to see an increase in profits.
The CEO Confidence Index continued its decline into September, falling to 4.88 out of a possible 10. The Index hasn’t been this low since September 2010’s 4.85. Most CEOs predict a stagnant year, and around one quarter of CEOs expect to see a decrease in profits and capital expenditures.
The beginning of August brought Washington’s debt ceiling circus followed shortly by S&P’s downgrade of American debt. And, in turn, CEO confidence in business conditions remained negative. Though the CEO Confidence Index rose slightly (0.4 percent) it remained at a dismal 5.30 out of a possible 10. As one CEO put it, “As I approach my 44th year in business, the last 20 as a CEO, I can never remember a time when I felt so disenfranchised from our leadership in Washington.
The CEO Confidence Index plunged 12.2 percent in June to 5.36 out of a possible 10. This is more than one full point lower than 2011’s high of 6.39 in February. CEOs’ expectations were far lower on everything from revenue and profit to employment and capital expenditures.
Following an optimistic April, the CEO Confidence Index fell 2.2 % in May to 6.09 out of 10. Only 65 % of CEOs predict that overall business conditions will be ‘good’ or better over the next year. Chief executives focused primarily on the possibility of inflation and increasing levels of government debt.
April brought an upswing in CEO sentiment, according to Chief Executive’s CEO Confidence Index. The Index rose 3.3% to reach 6.22 out of 10. More than two thirds of CEOs (68.1%) foresee an economy that is ‘good’ or better over the next 12 months.
After rising spirits in January and February 2011, CEOs were feeling less optimistic in March. Chief Executive’s CEO Confidence Index was down 5.8% from February, settling at a 6.02 out of a possible 10. The reason? Political uncertainty both domestically and abroad.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
0
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.