CEOs reported an improved economy and brighter prospects for their own firms despite recent cutbacks in federal spending, in the Q1 2013 Vistage CEO Confidence Index. The Confidence Index was 96.6 in the 1st quarter 2013 survey, up from 87.0 in the prior quarter and the highest level since last year’s 105.1. The underlying strength in the economy has begun to shift the attention of CEOs from uncertainty about federal policies to the more traditional concerns of small firms centered on revenue growth, controlling costs, and staffing.
Below are some key highlights from the Q1 2013 Vistage CEO Confidence Index (all members surveyed):
- 49% of CEOs think that economic conditions have improved compared with a year ago, up from 35% in Q4 2012.
- 68% of CEOs anticipate their firm’s sales revenues will increase in the next 12 months.
- Just 11% of CEOs found it easy to find people with the right skills to drive their business growth, while 75% found it difficult to find qualified talent.
- 16% of CEOs believe the sequester will adversely impact their business.
- 82% of CEOs expect U.S. fiscal uncertainty will continue throughout the year.