The Business Roundtable’s Q2 2019 CEO Economic Outlook Index has determined CEO expectations for sales and plans for capital spending over the next six months are healthy but decreased.
“The second quarter CEO survey was in the field during a turbulent few weeks for U.S. trade relations with China and Mexico,” Jamie Dimon, chairman and Chief Executive Officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and chairman of Business Roundtable, said.”Business leaders are ready and eager to invest and hire in the United States. Yet, the uncertainty over trade policy is making it more difficult for companies to invest and operate confidently. The Administration and Congress can remove trade uncertainty by working together on policies that will fortify U.S. trading relationships and expand international commerce for the benefit of America’s workers, families, and communities.”
The CEO Economic Outlook Index decreased 5.7 points in the second quarter to a value of 89.5, officials said, which exceeds the Index’s historical average of 82.6 and signals a continued positive direction for the U.S. economy.
The analysis showed CEO plans for hiring decreased 5.2 points to 75.2, plans for capital investment decreased 2.9 points to 88.1, and expectations for sales decreased 8.9 points to 105.1.
“The second quarter CEO survey was in the field during a turbulent few weeks for U.S. trade relations with China and Mexico,” Joshua Bolten, Business Roundtable president and CEO, said. “Business leaders are ready and eager to invest and hire in the United States. Yet, the uncertainty over trade policy is making it more difficult for companies to invest and operate confidently. The Administration and Congress can remove trade uncertainty by working together on policies.”