From Uncertainty to Opportunity: CEOs Chart a Course for Sustainable Growth
Amid a changing economic and trade landscape, CEOs find increased optimism as they adjust their strategies for growth
New York, November 13, 2025–Despite a period of significant global change and uncertainty, CEOs are increasingly optimistic about their ability to navigate new risks and seize emerging opportunities. The “Fall 2025 Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey” finds CEOs looking ahead with a renewed sense of optimism, a stark contrast from the pessimism recorded in the “Spring Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey”. CEOs are focusing on cost management, supply chain resilience and AI to drive sustainable growth.
Key takeaways
- Optimism for the global economy doubled to 28% from 14% in spring 2025
- In response to current economic and trade policy uncertainties, 80% plan to implement cost-cutting measures, while 64% plan to raise prices on goods and services
- Half of surveyed CEOs believe the impact of tariffs will have an equal mix of benefits and risks for their organizations while 78% expect they’ll have fewer benefits than risks for the US economy.
Why this matters to CEOs
The “Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey” tracks the perspectives and actions of CEOs from some of the world's largest and most influential companies. The survey uncovers key insights into CEOs’ assessment of the economy, their company’s performance, and perceived business risks and opportunities. Respondents represent executives across 19 industries.
Key quote
“With renewed optimism this fall, CEOs are focused on stability and growth. After months of uncertainty around policy and economic shifts, they’re recalibrating to cut costs where needed, strengthen supply chains, and apply AI to boost efficiency and resilience.”
"This survey is a reminder that global leaders are focused on the global business landscape, where they see new opportunities emerging as they continue to navigate challenges in the U.S. market."
— Diane Brady, Executive Editorial Director, Fortune Live Media and Fortune CEO Initiative
Outlook and disruptors
The pace and degree of change, along with continued economic and geopolitical uncertainty, were cited CEOs’ top challenges, according to the survey. Leaders also pointed to workforce concerns, such as ongoing talent shortages, skillset gaps, and employees’ ability to adapt to the rate of change.
Implications for AI
Over two-thirds of surveyed CEOs (68%) expect AI to have a moderate to significant impact on enterprise strategy, particularly in shaping long-term vision and growth. To measure that impact, 84% of leaders are tracking AI’s performance through cost savings and operational efficiency, while 64% are evaluating employee AI adoption and use. Recognizing that true transformation starts at the top, CEOs leading by example — 69% are developing AI usage policies for their workplaces, and 56% are working to cultivate an ethical culture around AI.
Impact of trade policy
While over three-quarters of surveyed CEOs do not expect tariffs to have a net positive impact on the US economy, 51% find that these policies could present an equal balance of benefits and risks for their own organizations. In response to the evolving landscape, 80% of leaders said they are likely to implement cost-cutting measures over the next year, while 64% say they’ll raise prices.
Survey methodology
Fielded between October 3-16, 2025, 69 CEOs representing 19 industries shared their perspectives, expectations, and priorities for the next 12 months. Leaders surveyed include Fortune 500 CEOs, Global 500 CEOs, and select public and private CEOs in the global Fortune community. The Fall 2025 survey is the 16th edition of the “Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey” series.
About Fortune:
Fortune is a global multi-platform media company built on a legacy of trusted, award-winning reporting and information for those who want to make business better. Independently owned, Fortune tells the stories of the world's biggest companies and their leaders as well as a new generation of innovators who are moving business forward. Digitally and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks, and holds companies accountable, in regions around the world. Its iconic rankings include Fortune 500, Fortune Global 500, Most Powerful Women, and World's Most Admired Companies. Fortune builds world-class communities by convening industry thought leaders for exclusive summits and conferences, including the Fortune Global Forum, Brainstorm Tech, and Fortune Most Powerful Women. For more information, visit fortune.com.
About the Chief Executive Program
Deloitte’s Chief Executive Program, part of Executive Accelerators, is dedicated to advising chief executives throughout their careers — from navigating critical points of inflection, to designing a strategic agenda, to leading through personal and organizational change.
About Deloitte
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Jenn Popovic
Public Relations
Deloitte Services LP
+1 914 330 2389
jenpopovic@deloitte.com