At the end of last year, we conducted our annual Vision 2025: CEO and Investor Outlook Survey. Given the rapid pace of change around the world, respondents suggested that we also mine the views of CFOs, given their key role in capital allocation and financial strategy.
In response, and amidst one of the most consequential periods for global financial markets and businesses in recent memory, we took the pulse of 132 global CFOs and 200 institutional investors representing more than $16.7 trillion USD in combined market cap and AUM to better understand the actions they are taking now—and where they see the world going next.
CFOs and the companies they serve have faced unprecedented economic and geopolitical shifts in recent months. They must navigate a new operating reality that includes heightened uncertainty around global trade, tariffs, market volatility and a changing regulatory and political environment. Institutional investors are also grappling with this new atmosphere—and how to find opportunities in the face of uncertainty.
CFOs are split by region on the direction of the economy, with 53% of those in the U.S. expecting improvement in the second half of the year vs. only 29% of their international peers. Meanwhile, CFOs are re-examining the location of manufacturing hubs globally, with a full 86% saying they are actively reshaping global supply chains, while also reconsidering CapEx and general corporate spending.
Interestingly, the urgency of tech disruption, mainly AI, is driving increased business activity. Half of all CFOs say they plan to increase SG&A spending as well as CapEx because of technological change. In response to this rapidly evolving landscape, leadership teams are taking action, adjusting priorities and strategies.
As CFOs, investors and other stakeholders navigate these fast-moving currents, we believe the insights in this report will benefit you and your business. Because while there are challenges in this unpredictable environment, there are also major opportunities for market participants who can stay one step ahead.
As always, thank you for your support of Teneo.
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