Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey: Fall 2024
Optimism among surveyed CEOs surges after US elections, while key risks are acknowledged
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In a season of change marked by the 2024 US elections and an uncertain geopolitical environment, the majority of CEOs who responded to the post-election, Fall 2024 Fortune/Deloitte CEO Pulse survey are aligned in where they see significant opportunities – as well as where they don’t. Notably, CEO optimism about the global economy surged from 7% in Fall 2023 to 42% this November. A majority also report high levels of optimism regarding the performance of their organizations (84%), and their industries (61%), reflecting a more positive outlook when compared to the previous three surveys over the past 12 months.
This heightened optimism is likely influenced by anticipation that public policy may shift more favorably for the business community along with Federal Reserve policy decisions to lower interest rates. This could include a reduced risk of significant business tax increases, potential deregulation, and a more favorable environment for mergers and acquisitions (M&A). As the incoming administration’s stated policy goals come into focus, including tariffs, an extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and a focus on domestic oil and gas production, CEOs anticipate the biggest opportunities related to taxes, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, business growth, and access to capital. CEOs also see more opportunity than risk in regulation over the next 12 months.
Given the potential landscape, CEOs plan to make significant investments in business innovation, including core business and talent transformation. The momentum behind investments in artificial intelligence and Generative AI continues to rise, suggesting an accelerated adoption curve, while investments in other talent acquisition/transformation and non-AI technologies, as well as climate and sustainability efforts, are projected to slow. Above all, CEOs see the next 12 months as a year ripe for growth, transformation, and opportunity – and some risk. Read on for more highlights from the Fall 2024 Fortune/Deloitte CEO Pulse survey.
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Key insights
Key insights
Outlook and opportunities: CEOs see many opportunities following the election. Topping the list include taxes (66%), continued adoption of AI and GenAI (66%), business growth (62%), and access to capital (58%). They also see opportunity in regulation (49%).
Post-election risks: Over half of CEOs identify geopolitical instability (63%) as one of the top risks, along with climate and sustainability (62%), consistent with the findings of the Summer 2024 survey where these were ranked as leading disruptors. International trade and tariffs are also viewed as the top risk (73%) in response to President-elect Trump’s proposal to impose across-the-board tariffs on imports.
Technology: Roughly half of CEOs say they will continue to prioritize investments in the adoption of AI and generative AI, indicating moving beyond the hype cycle and into practical, transformative applications. Thirteen percent see less opportunity for the time being in other transformative technologies, such as quantum.
Investments for the future: CEOs plan to prioritize investments for business growth (88%), core business transformation (59%), as well as talent acquisition and transformation (54%).
Jason Girzadas, CEO, Deloitte US
We are seeing renewed optimism among CEOs who are not merely navigating complexities but also are embracing them as catalysts for innovation and growth. CEOs are increasing investments in AI, including Generative AI, with advancements in AI agents and industry-specific use cases helping drive practical transformative applications. The resilience and forward-thinking leadership demonstrated by CEOs will help them prepare for and take advantage of the challenges and opportunities ahead.Jason Girzadas, CEO, Deloitte US
Statistics that stand out
42%
of CEOs are optimistic about the global economy, up from 7% in the Fall 2023 survey
48%
see opportunity in technology/AI policy, but 12% see risk ahead
84%
of CEOs are optimistic or very optimistic about their company’s performance over the next 12 months
73%
see international trade and tariffs as potential risks for their businesses
About the survey
141 CEOs representing more than 20 industries participated in this Fortune/Deloitte CEO Pulse Survey. 87% of respondents are from organizations based in the United States, and the remainder are from organizations based outside of the United States.
Fielded November 11th-19th, 2024, the survey consisted of three questions that explored market outlook, business opportunities and risks following the recent US Elections, and investments plans. The following pages present the key findings. Surveyed CEOs include Fortune 500 CEOs, Global 500 CEOs, and select public and private CEOs in the global Fortune community. This Fall 2024 survey is the 14th edition of the Fortune/Deloitte CEO survey series.
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Explore past editions
Explore past editions
About the Chief Executive Program
Deloitte’s Chief Executive Program is a suite of innovative insights and immersive experiences to help CEOs, business unit leaders, and organizations fulfill their potential. More than 500 CEOs and large-scale business unit leaders have turned to the Chief Executive Program for support throughout their tenure.
About the Chief Executive Program
Deloitte’s Chief Executive Program is a suite of innovative insights and immersive experiences to help CEOs, business unit leaders, and organizations fulfill their potential. More than 500 CEOs and large-scale business unit leaders have turned to the Chief Executive Program for support throughout their tenure.
Learn more