Vistage CEO Confidence Index Report

The promise of a pending growth cycle does little to offset the immediate impact of inflation, evolving workforce challenges and interest rates that are at their highest since 2007. CEOs face tough decisions about how to position their business to endure and grow through a slow 2024. Growth requires investment, yet the cost of money increases the risk and reduces the payoff of business decisions. For some CEOs, just servicing their existing debt is draining precious EBITDA with nothing to show for it. Interest rates may have peaked, but they will never return to the “free money” era of 2008-2016.

Momentum is building in anticipation of growth for small and midsize businesses as five of the six components of the Q4 Vistage CEO Confidence Index rose six points to reach 82.0, continuing the slow rise of the aftermath economy. This report captures CEOs’ economic sentiment and strategic intent for the next 12 months.