In a recent poll of Fortune 500 CEOs, an interesting trend emerged in their views on the economy. While the general public tends to be pessimistic, only 28% of CEOs believe that the United States will enter a recession within the next 12 months. On the other hand, nearly 70% predict that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates before the end of 2024, indicating their confidence in policymakers’ ability to control inflation. Additionally, fewer than one in five CEOs anticipate reducing headcount at their companies this year.
Despite their focus on artificial intelligence (AI), CEOs are not overly concerned about its disruptive effects. Only 22% cited tech transformation as a top concern. Instead, they appreciate AI in various ways. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft and leader of the company’s advancements in generative AI, was named the most admired CEO among survey respondents. Moreover, Microsoft and Nvidia were selected as the top stocks that CEOs would personally like to own.
The survey was conducted from April 18-28, 2024. To stay up-to-date with stories that have shaped business and culture, subscribe to Fortune’s Archives newsletter today.
