Foreword
Our annual CEO and investor report captures the views of more than 350 global CEOs and 400 institutional investors representing more than $19 trillion USD of company and portfolio value.
As we enter 2026, global CEOs are meeting the moment with measured optimism and sharpened realism. In an environment where the only constant is uncertainty, businesses – and their CEOs – have evolved to become resilient and adaptive by design.
While 73% of CEOs expect the global economy to improve in the year ahead, confidence has cooled somewhat from the exuberance of December 2024. Bolstered by years of strategic transformation, organizations are better positioned to weather volatility and, crucially, advance the exponential potential of AI. With dynamic organizational resilience baked in, executives remain optimistic yet clear-eyed about higher capital costs, shifting policies and persistent geopolitical tensions shaping markets – a sentiment reflected in our own daily conversations with CEOs, board members and business leaders around the world.
AI innovation continues to be a top investment priority – 68% of CEOs are increasing investment, and 88% believe it is already helping them navigate disruption. But the clock is ticking, as investors start to demand real transformational change. For these leaders, disruption no longer signals risk – it signals opportunity.
We hope this report helps inform your strategy as you navigate another dynamic year ahead.
Wishing you continued success in 2026.
