A new report from Business Roundtable finds that CEOs are expecting the next six months to be stronger when it comes to sales and capital investment, despite the current political climate.
Business Roundtable’s Q1 2026 CEO Economic Outlook Survey surveyed CEOs on their plans for capital spending and employment and expectations for sales over the next six months. Overall, the index increased by nine points from last quarter to 89, above its historic average of 83. CEOs reported higher numbers across the three subindices. The capex and sales subindices are in expansion territory, the report found, while the employment subindex is neutral.
“The survey shows stronger CEO expectations for sales and capital investment over the next six months, despite global uncertainty. The results point to the impact of last year’s tax reforms, responsible deregulation and the resilience of the U.S. economy,” Business Roundtable Chair Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco, said. “We look forward to continuing our work with the Trump Administration and Congress in the months ahead to advance policies that will drive long-term growth.”
The latest survey was initiated between February 23 through March 6, which encompassed the time period in which the U.S. Supreme Court made its decision on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs, and the military operation in Iran began.
Officials with Business Roundtable said 169 CEOs completed the survey. Plans for hiring increased 9 points, plans for capital investment increased 12 points and expectations for sales grew 6 points.
“This quarter’s survey shows a notable improvement in CEO sentiment,” Business Roundtable CEO Joshua Bolten said. “The rise in the headline index is encouraging, especially the solid gains in sales and capex, but the employment picture remains a concern, with as many CEOs planning to reduce employment as increase it. Policymakers can help strengthen economic and employment conditions by reforming permitting and providing greater certainty on trade, including extending the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.”