Global CEO revenue confidence tumbles to five-year low

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TLDR

Global chief executives’ confidence in their companies’ revenue growth over the next year fell to a five-year low, with only about 30% feeling optimistic. A PwC survey of 4,400+ CEOs found concerns over AI’s financial payoff, cyber threats, tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty driving the pessimism.

Article

Global chief executives are showing reduced confidence in their companies’ short-term revenue prospects, with only around three in 10 expecting growth in the coming year — the weakest confidence level in five years, according to the PwC 2026 Global CEO Survey presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos.  

The annual survey, covering responses from more than 4,400 CEOs across 95 countries and territories, found business leaders are increasingly worried about external and internal challenges that could dampen growth. Top concerns included the financial payoff from artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, cybersecurity threats, and exposure to tariffs and other geopolitical risks.  

While nearly half of CEOs reported some gains from AI on either revenue or cost, a majority — 56% — said they have seen no meaningful financial benefit so far, highlighting a divide between firms successfully scaling AI and those still struggling to turn investment into results.  

The survey noted that CEOs are questioning whether their organizations are transforming fast enough to keep pace with rapid technological change, including AI integration. Cyber risk and trade tensions also contributed to a cautious outlook, with many executives expressing heightened exposure to external financial losses.  

The findings reflect broader uncertainty in the global economic and business environment heading into 2026, as leaders juggle the promise of innovation with near-term operational pressures.