A recent global survey reveals that nearly 60% of CEOs expect economic growth over the next year, a notable increase from 38% last year and 18% two years ago.

Despite this optimism, CEOs remain cautious, citing macroeconomic volatility and inflation as their primary concerns, with 29% and 27% respectively highlighting these issues.

The survey, which included responses from 4,701 CEOs across 109 countries, underscores a growing confidence among business leaders.

CEOs are increasingly optimistic about the potential of Generative AI (GenAI), with 56% reporting efficiency gains and 32% noting revenue increases over the past year.

Looking ahead, 49% of CEOs anticipate that GenAI will enhance profitability within the next year, with a focus on integrating AI into technology platforms and core business processes.

However, trust in AI remains a significant barrier to broader adoption, as only one-third of CEOs express a high level of confidence in implementing AI due to concerns about inaccuracies and biases.

Furthermore, 42% of CEOs believe their companies will struggle to remain viable over the next decade without major transformations, reflecting a pressing need for innovation.

Investments in climate-related initiatives are proving beneficial, with 33% of CEOs reporting increased revenue from these investments, although regulatory complexity poses challenges.

Regulatory hurdles are a significant concern, with 24% of CEOs identifying them as a barrier to advancing climate action, despite the positive financial returns from such investments.

In a positive shift, the UK has emerged as the second-most attractive investment destination, surpassing other nations for the first time since 1997, while the US remains the top choice.

The technology and real estate sectors are leading the way in hiring intentions, with 61% of CEOs in these industries planning to expand their workforce.

Overall, the survey indicates a positive employment outlook, with only 17% of CEOs expecting to decrease headcount, contrasting with the majority who plan to grow their teams.