CFO Optimism Diverges from Economic Pessimism in Q2 Deloitte Survey
Event summary
- Deloitte's Q2 CFO Signals™ report shows North American CFO confidence score dropped to 5.9 (from 6.3 in Q1), indicating medium confidence.
- Despite economic pessimism, 90% of CFOs expressed optimism about their own companies' financial prospects, up 17 percentage points from last quarter.
- Top internal risks identified were talent acquisition (51%), technology deployment (49%), and efficiency/productivity (48%).
- External risks included inflation (50%), supply chain disruption (49%), and interest rates (46%).
The big picture
Deloitte's Q2 CFO Signals™ report highlights a divergence between CFOs' pessimism about the broader economic environment and their optimism about their own companies' prospects. This duality suggests that while macroeconomic conditions may be challenging, individual firms are finding ways to navigate these headwinds. The increased risk appetite among CFOs indicates a willingness to invest in growth despite external uncertainties.
What we're watching
- Economic Sentiment
- Whether CFOs' pessimism about the broader economy will translate into more cautious corporate strategies.
- Risk Appetite
- How the increased risk appetite among CFOs will manifest in investment and expansion decisions.
- Talent Challenges
- The pace at which companies address talent acquisition and skills gaps as a top internal risk.