CFO Article Archive: Economic Outlook |
Deloitte writes and compiles a regular stream of CFO-centric content and timely features, including research, topical digests, perspectives, and insights and technical analyses, in a special section of CFO Journal, an online publication from The Wall Street Journal.
The articles below and others are available in PDF. Also see our CFO Insights bi-weekly thought leadership.
CFOs seek to improve finance’s strategic planning capabilities
With finance spending more time influencing business strategy and operational priorities, CFOs want to improve their finance organization’s strategic capabilities, according to Deloitte's 4Q 2012 CFO Signals™ survey.
Clarity on fiscal/spending policy: CFOs’ top priority for planning
CFOs of large North American companies indicated that having clarity on fiscal/spending policy would most improve their companies' planning efforts, according to Deloitte's 4Q 2012 CFO Signals™ survey.
Large-company CFOs’ expectations reflect a mixed outlook at outset of 2013
CFOs of large North American companies have tempered expectations for investing for growth and domestic hiring, according to Deloitte's 4Q 2012 CFO Signals™ survey. Yet, their expectations for year-over-year sales and earnings growth have increased.
Uncharted economic waters for the United States
Chief economist Carl Steidtmann discusses the U.S. economy, the risk of a recession and factors that make this year’s fiscal cliff debate different: size, timing and the reaction of the bond rating agencies.
Deloitte’s “Global CFO Signals”: Euro actions and attitudes
Read what CFOs in 14 geographies are thinking about the eurozone crisis and how scenario-based planning can help CFOs prepare.
Revenue growth and preservation in existing markets lead CFOs’ top-three company challenges
Revenue growth and preservation of existing markets dominate CFOs' top-three company challenges, according to Deloitte's 3Q 2012 CFO Signals™ survey.
Global CFO sentiment: Caution is the watchword
Deloitte’s 3Q 2012 Global CFO Signals™ features recent CFO survey results from Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms, covering 14 geographies.
European distress prompts many large companies to take action
In response to the eurozone crisis, many large-company North American CFOs are taking actions to mitigate the impact on their companies, according to Deloitte's 3rd quarter 2012 CFO Signals™ survey.
China: When exports decline
Learn more about the near-term outlook for China, Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines in the October 2012 edition of Asia Pacific Economic Outlook.
Demands on finance broadening as companies face growing list of challenges
CFOs are keeping finance teams focused on operational execution and current investments, according to Deloitte's 3rd quarter 2012 CFO Signals™ survey, which tracks the views of CFOs representing North American companies averaging more than $5 billion in annual revenue.
Strategy and growth decisions and major change initiatives add to CFOs’ career stresses
Large-company CFOs say decision-making around business strategy and organic growth has presented the highest degree of difficulty, according to Deloitte's 3Q 2012 CFO Signals™ survey.
CFOs’ expectations tumble for sales, investment and hiring
Expectations among large-company CFOs have dropped sharply, as outlooks for company financial performance and capital investment were scaled back, according to Deloitte’s 3Q 2012 CFO Signals™ survey.
CFO Signals: A Review of Q2 with a look ahead to Q3
CFOs’ rising optimism in Q1 of 2012 was erased in Q2, according to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ survey. Learn more about CFO perspectives on projections for the future in this Deloitte Insights video cast.
CFOs retrenching again: Deloitte global CFO Signals
In several countries, pessimism among CFOs returned in 2Q, according to Deloitte Global CFO Signals 2Q12, which summarizes CFOs' views from surveys conducted by Deloitte member firms in 11 geographies.
Finance takes a larger role in pricing decisions
Finance’s role in pricing and profitability decisions is growing according to Deloitte's 2Q 2012 CFO Signals™ survey, which looked at how profitability analyses are driving pricing, investment, spending and compensation decisions.
CFOs see growing demand for soft skills, more stress from company performance
Building internal relationships and strategic thinking are becoming more critical to CFOs’ career success, according to Deloitte’s second-quarter CFO Signals™ survey, which also found CFOs pressured by change initiatives and concern over poor company performance.
Rising economic concerns at home and abroad prompt growth worries for large-company CFOs
Unemployment has risen to the top of CFOs' economic worries, according to Deloitte's 2Q 2012 CFO Signals™ survey, reflecting the views of CFOs of large North American companies with average annual revenues of more than $5 billion.
Health care CEOs’ perspectives on the future
Data from interviews with 24 CEOs of acute-sector hospitals and multi-hospital health systems provide insights into where CEOs expect to concentrate efforts to respond to a challenging environment.
CFOs focused on existing markets for growth as economic worries persist
Companies appear more focused on current markets and defending them as a source of growth over the next 12 months and less on new markets and M&A, according to the Q2 2012 Deloitte CFO Signals™ survey.
Optimism among large-company CFOs plummets, corporate performance expected to slow
Worries over Europe and domestic policy have large-company CFOs more pessimistic and focusing on working capital, inventories and further efficiency gains and less on new markets, according to Deloitte’s Q2 2012 CFO Signals survey.
Trade patterns of the future: A look at emerging markets’ potential impact on supply chains
Supply chain disruptions have highlighted the downside of relying on a few economies, causing some companies to explore emerging trading networks, such as Africa and the Middle East.
Mid-market executives turn more cautious on hiring and the economy
Although mid-market executives expect more modest growth and hiring than a year ago, they are planning to grow their companies through innovation and technology.
Large-company M&A plans reflect mix of CFO optimism and caution
M&A appears to have returned to the front burner for many large North American companies, albeit with a heavy dose of caution, according to Deloitte's Q1 2012 CFO Signals survey.
Global CFO sentiment turns more optimistic in first quarter 2012, but will it hold up?
CFOs, particularly in North America, India, and several European countries, became more optimistic in 2012’s first quarter, resulting in positive earnings and other financial forecasts in several countries.
CFOs enjoying the career challenges and rewards of their expanding role
The CFO role has become more demanding and broader, but also more interesting, influential, visible and financially rewarding, according to CFOs of large North American companies responding to Deloitte’s 1Q 2012 CFO Signals™ survey.
Global economy, government policy: Top economy concerns for large-company CFOs
Social policy and related spending and investment, as well as environmental policy, were among the top three challenges cited by CFOs of large North American companies, according to Deloitte’s 1Q 2012 CFO Signals™ survey.
Finance departments put more focus on execution
Despite uncertainty and concerns over national and global issues, CFOs indicate a renewed focus on organizational growth and execution, according to Deloitte’s 1Q 2012 CFO Signals™ survey.
Large-company CFOs optimistic about earnings, hiring, investment, but concerned about sales
Optimism among large-company CFOs has turned sharply higher, but they remain concerned about economic uncertainty and geopolitical events, according to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ Q1 2012 survey.
Reverse globalization: A potential solution to commodity price volatility in the supply chain
In a globalized manufacturing environment, some firms are seeking risk-adjusted supply chains that are more nimble and resilient to uncertainty and are moving to a more localized production model or near-sourcing.
How insurance company CFOs can leverage growth opportunities in 2012's challenging economy
The insurance industry faces the fundamental need to change how it does business in an increasingly virtual market to meet consumer expectations around products, distribution, service and technology, as discussed in Deloitte’s 2012 Global Insurance Outlook.
The shale gas boom: Implications for CFOs
Peter J. Robertson, an independent senior advisor to the Oil & Gas group of Deloitte LLP, offers his insights on the shale gas boom and implications for CFOs of producers and end-users.
Large shale gas supplies could mitigate exports’ impact on U.S. natural gas prices
According to a report from the Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions and Deloitte MarketPoint LLC, the U.S. is likely to be able to support projected domestic demands for natural gas and LNG exports with a minimal price impact.
CFO signals: European financial woes take a toll
More CFOs responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ 4Q 2011 survey indicated a pessimistic outlook than those indicating a positive one. Their perspectives and projections for 2012 are discussed in Deloitte Insights.
Views from CFOs around the globe signal a difficult 2012
Eurozone issues, social upheaval and economic uncertainty kept CFO optimism at low levels almost worldwide during 4Q 2011, based on CFO views gathered by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms.
2012 commercial real estate outlook: Globalization, macroeconomics and market fundamentals are top issues
Potential impediments to the commercial real estate market’s rebound in 2012 include looming debt maturities, as well as economic uncertainty in the U.S. and abroad.
From CEO to CFO: Achieving growth in a low-growth economy
In challenging times, CFOs often counsel caution with respect to innovation. Yet forces reshaping markets worldwide are creating growth opportunities and making innovative solutions rewarding.
Despite heavy workloads, CFOs content with work/life balance
Roughly two-thirds of CFOs responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals 4Q 2011 survey were satisfied with their heavy workload, but concerned about insufficient support staff and the quantity, quality and reliability of information.
CFOs' growing strategic responsibilities cause growing pains for finance
Influencing business strategy and operational priorities was a top challenge for many finance organizations, signaling an upward shift in CFOs’ roles as strategist and catalyst, according to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ 4Q 2011 survey.
Local, company-owned operations: The key to strategic growth in emerging markets
Findings from a survey conducted by Deloitte Consulting LLP that polled executives in 34 countries provide insights on how organizations can build sustainable platforms for growth in emerging markets.
Eurozone and economic challenges weigh on CFOs’ outlooks
CFOs responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ 4Q 2011 survey said that economic turmoil was their most worrisome risk, driven largely by the eurozone crisis. Failure of major initiatives was another concern.
European financial woes taking heavy toll on CFO expectations
CFOs responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ Q4 2011 survey said fallout from the eurozone crisis, persistent unemployment and social unrest dimmed their expectations.
Positive outlook for M&A despite economic uncertainty, deal disappointment
Despite economic uncertainty, expectations are strong for high M&A deal volume, particularly complex transformational deals, requiring a careful review of processes and methodologies.
Mid-market business executives plan to invest even as economy slows
Mid-market executives’ optimism for U.S. economic growth declined sharply in 3Q 2011, but not enough to halt investment plans, according to a Deloitte-commissioned survey of nearly 700 senior decision-makers of private and public companies.
Global CFO views: Less optimism, more caution
The eurozone crisis weighed heavily on many CFOs in Q3 2011, according to results of surveys of CFOs conducted by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms.
Economic turmoil increases demands on large-company finance teams
Volatility had large organizations pushing for greater finance support, and finance teams were finding it challenging to keep pace, according to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ 3Q 2011 survey.
Volatile business environment keeps large-company CFOs under stress
Major change initiatives, strategic ambiguity and changing regulatory requirements were CFOs’ top three job stresses, according to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ 3Q 2011 survey.
CFOs staying focused on growth despite external turmoil and doubts over company strategy
A majority of CFOs responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ 3Q 2011 survey indicated concern that their strategies were not defined well enough or able to adapt to changing business environments.
Plummeting optimism among CFOs to dampen investment plans
More than half of the CFOs responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ 3Q 2011 survey expected economic turmoil to negatively impact their financial projections.
Debt in the world’s top companies: A tale of two capital markets
A study of the global debt picture based on a survey of more than 1,000 finance executives revealed a split between cash-rich businesses and small- and medium-sized companies.
Shift index: Long- and short-term impacts on global economies
According to the “Shift Index,” a study by Deloitte LLP’s Center for the Edge, digital technology, public policy and other forces will impact how organizations achieve long-term growth and profitability.
Growth-related challenges dominate companies’ attention as optimism dims
More than half of CFOs responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ 2Q 2011 survey cited generating revenue from existing and new markets as their companies’ top challenge.
Pricing pressures tie with industry regulation and legislation for CFOs’ top industry concerns
Pricing trends, industry regulation and legislation were the dominant industry challenges for CFOs responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ 2Q 2011 survey.
Uncertainty mounts, optimism wanes for global CFOs
Optimism fell among many of the world's top finance executives in 2Q 2011, according to CFO survey results from Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms.
Strategic ambiguity and change lead CFOs’ career concerns
Strategic ambiguity, major initiatives and changing regulatory requirements were top job stresses, for CFOs responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ 2Q 2011 survey.
Business strategy in an uncertain economy: Grow for today or grow for tomorrow?
As companies decide between growing their current business or growing beyond core operations, what’s key is where to look for growth: familiar territory or far afield. Each has its benefits and challenges.
Strategic decision-making and investments are top CFO finance challenges
According to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ Q2 2011 survey, a heightened role in supporting strategic and operational decision-making was finance organizations’ key challenge.
Social and environmental policy top CFOs’ economic concerns
Government policy’s impact on economies and competitive environments were a top concern for CFOs responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ Q2 2011 survey.
CFO optimism wanes as macro business and company concerns Rise: Deloitte’s second quarter CFO Signals survey
CFOs responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ Q2 2011 survey showed concern over factors threatening their companies’ progress and the quality and level of their companies' capital investments.
Looming debt wall creates capital finance imperative
For many companies, accessing capital markets can be difficult. When competition for capital increases, the need to align capital funding requirements with business strategy likely becomes more acute.
Mid-market executives see expanded hiring and global reach in the year ahead
A majority of executives at middle-market companies plan to expand hiring this year, according to a Deloitte-commissioned survey of more than 500 senior decision makers of private and public companies.
Mid-market executives expect to finance expansion despite challenges
Senior executives at middle-market companies expect to pursue financing in the coming year, despite difficulties some face in accessing capital and financing in the post-financial crisis environment, and a majority will use it to fuel business expansion, according to a Deloitte-commissioned survey.
Mid-market executives see growth for U.S. economy, business revenues
An overwhelming majority of middle-market executives expect economic growth this year, while at the same time many express concerns about job growth and government debt.
CFOs feel the stress
Strategic ambiguity, major change initiatives and changing regulatory requirements were cited as the top job stresses by finance executives responding to Deloitte’s 1Q 2011 CFO Signals™ survey.
Mid-market focus: The Recovery’s missing link
A Deloitte Insights podcast discusses U.S. mid-market executives’ views on the economy, growth, global expansion and challenges.
Revenue growth is the watchword
Growing revenue, whether from new or existing markets, was the main company challenge cited by CFOs responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ Q1 2011 survey.
Regulation, pricing and competition lead CFOs’ industry challenges
Regulation was cited as a top industry challenge by CFOs across all eight sectors responding to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ Q1 2011 survey.
Domestic policies dim CFOs’ outlook for growth
Finance chiefs cited social policy, unemployment and environmental regulations as top economic concerns in Deloitte's CFO Signals™ Q1 2011 survey.
CFOs predict growth; remain prudent
CFOs were expecting growth in 2011 in new products, services and markets, but not in their domestic workforces, according to Deloitte’s CFO Signals™ Q1 2011 survey.
Black swans fill global economy’s outlook with uncertainty
Black swan events, including political upheaval and disasters, create yet more planning challenges for CFOs; however, a positive black swan event could benefit the top line.
As used in this document, ‘Deloitte’ means Deloitte LLP [and its subsidiaries]. Please see
www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and
its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.
Last updated
