CEOs are losing confidence in the economy and expect conditions to worsen in the next six months, survey finds

A man sits at desk and looks anxiously at a computer screen (Credit: Getty Images)

If you’ve been feeling uncertain about the future of the economy, you’re not the only one. As the war in Iran pinches the global energy supply for the foreseeable future, and as AI companies threaten to reshape the entire labor force, business leaders are feeling uncertainty too.

A recent survey of 141 CEOs found their confidence in the economy has decreased significantly between the first two quarters of 2026. The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence fell from 59 in Q1 to 47 in Q2. A reading below 50 reflects more negative than positive responses.