Business and Finance
Survey: As 2025 Begins, CEOs Are Most Worried About a Trade War and Recession
NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — As the new year begins, what will keep the world’s executives up at night?
CEOs globally rank intensified trade wars as the top geopolitical risk to their companies. They say tensions between the US, EU, and China will have the greatest geopolitical impact, according to a new survey from The Conference Board.
When it comes to economic risks, leaders can’t seem to kick the recession jitters. Concern of an economic downturn remains high: 46% of CEOs globally identify it as a high-impact issue in 2025—down modestly from 53% in 2024.
Amid geopolitical and geoeconomic tumult, more CEOs are strengthening their supply chains. Among US CEOs, 71% plan to alter their supply chains over the next 3-5 years—an increase from 54% in the 2024 survey.
CEOs also weighed in on AI. They say the biggest benefit has been workforce productivity, demonstrating AI’s ability to support workers rather than replace them…at least for now. However, many are struggling to integrate the technology because of talent concerns: 45% of CEOs globally say lack of expertise is the top challenge to implementing AI.
This year’s survey reflects the views of more than 1,700 executives, including over 500 CEOs. The survey’s participants—CEOs, C-suite leaders, and board directors—weighed in on the top business threats and opportunities in 2025. They were primarily from four regions: North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Highlights from C-Suite Outlook 2025 include:
GEOPOLITICS & TRADE
CEOs say a global trade war and US-EU-China tensions are top geopolitical challenges in 2025
- Global instability and competition on the front burner: Amid talk of tougher trade policy, CEOs worldwide named US-EU-China tensions among the high-impact issues facing their business in 2025. That ranges from 34% of US CEOs to nearly 50% in Asia and Europe.
- Leaders remain focused on cyberattacks: 25% of CEOs and 36% of C-suite executives name it a high-impact issue in 2025. Fears of a foreign cyberattack rank high among risks CEOs fear most in the US (45%) and Europe (35%).
- Risks vary by region: Among economy-related geopolitical risks, CEOs cited higher energy prices (35%) as their top risk. That includes 47% of CEOs in Japan and Europe, and 36% of Europe’s CEOs also fearing energy supply risks.
RECESSION
Recession tops the economic worry list: CEOs say it’s their #1 economic concern in 2025
- The fear of a downturn persists: Globally, 46% of CEOs identified a downturn/recession as a high-impact issue for 2025. That’s down modestly from 53% in last year’s survey.
- Recession is the top concern for all regions excluding Japan: Japan’s CEOs top concern is labor shortages (66%).
DEBT in the US
A ticking time bomb: US CEOs remain deeply worried about the nation’s debt
- Top concerns: An outsized 51% of US CEOs see US national debt and deficits, followed by decoupling or derisking from China, as the greatest external geopolitical concerns for their businesses.
- Policy & globalization impacts: Regarding what they think will have the greatest impact, issues cited by US CEOs include US debt & deficits (38%), regulation (32%), protectionism (27%), corp. tax rates (22%), immigration (21%).
SUPPLY CHAINS
Supply chain resiliency gains momentum: More CEOs are planning to shake things up
- A big increase among US CEOs: 71% of US CEOs plan to alter their supply chains in the next 3-5 years. It’s a significant increase from 54% in last year’s survey.
- A big increase among Europe’s CEOs: 77% plan to alter their supply chains, an increase from 61% in 2024.
- The how—top changes being made to supply chains: CEOs across most regions—excluding the US—are using digital technology/AI to improve performance tracking as a primary goal. US CEOs chose vendor diversification.
- The why—top reasons for altering supply chains: Among the roughly 80% of CEOs looking to alter supply chains, most are doing so to lower costs and risk of supply chain disruptions.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
CEOs are struggling to integrate AI…mainly because they don’t have the right talent
- Lack of talent: Among CEOs globally, 45% say lack of expertise is the top challenge to implementing AI.
- Is worker resistance overblown? Only 9% of CEOs cite worker resistance as a top challenge to implementation.
- In what areas has AI made the biggest improvements? According to CEOs globally, workforce productivity (44%), customer satisfaction (25%), innovation (24%), operational resilience (18%), and ROI from marketing (12%).
ESG
As extreme weather events intensify, climate events are top of mind for CEOs globally
- Concerns/Risks: Among CEOs globally, 34% cite climate events as the top ESG factor impacting business. That’s second to only sustainability, cited by 39%.
- Priorities: When it comes to environmental priorities, there are stark regional differences.
- Among CEOs globally, renewable energy tops the list.
- US CEOs are most focused on climate resilience/adaptation.
- Europe and Japan’s CEOs are most focused on carbon neutrality.
- CEOs in other areas of Asia are most focused on renewable energy.
PROFIT PLANS
Outside of Japan, few CEOs are looking to raise prices in 2025. Instead, the focus is on innovation, tech, and product development.
- Innovation leads: Worldwide, 37% of CEOs say innovation is a top priority for growing profits, followed by introducing new products/services (29%) and investing in technology, including AI (26%).
- Just 13% expect to increase prices.
- Higher budgets for marketing tech: 37% of CEOs globally—including 57% in Europe and 31% in the US—say they plan to increase their marketing budgets by 10% or more on AI and data analytics to support the drive for profits.
About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.ConferenceBoard.org
SOURCE The Conference Board
News
Money Management: The Importance of Financial Literacy
You may have mastered the core subjects like math and grammar in school, but financial literacy – or understanding the basics of money management in order to help you make better financial decisions – often goes overlooked before adulthood. It’s not so much a course of study as it is a plan of action. When you understand how to earn, save, spend and invest wisely, you aren’t just building a stable future for yourself, but your family and community as well.
Last Updated on May 11, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) You may have mastered the core subjects like math and grammar in school, but financial literacy – or understanding the basics of money management in order to help you make better financial decisions – often goes overlooked before adulthood. It’s not so much a course of study as it is a plan of action.
Financial literacy in the United States has remained stagnant at generally low levels for several years, according to research from TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center, with even lower levels among Gen Z. Yet greater financial literacy – including key aspects such as goal-setting, budgeting, saving, credit management and investing – is strongly linked to better financial outcomes, including lower rates of debt constraint and financial fragility.
While emboldening yourself to understand financial terms can be a little overwhelming at first, once you have a grasp of basic concepts you can begin to get a handle on your money and make better financial decisions. Simply put: When you understand how to earn, save, spend and invest wisely, you aren’t just building a stable future for yourself, but your family and community as well.
From nonprofit partnerships to volunteer-led programs and fee online resources, Schwab and its employees help millions of people every year build the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their financial futures by serving as board members, mentors, role models and educators.
Because financial health is a lifelong journey, the earlier people learn vital money skills, the better. That’s why the financial advisory services provider develops education programs geared toward kids that continue into adulthood, helping people no matter where they are on their journeys.
Talk Money
It’s never too early to start a conversation about financial literacy. Having teens identify goals that are important to them – such as concert tickets or a first car – can kickstart coversations about money. Working with your child (and a financial advisor, if necessary) on a plan for saving to realize those goals can serve as a jumping off point. After achieving some success, their enthusiasm may grow, which is a powerful motivator to keep saving.
Support School Initiatives and Programs
Outreach programs that empower young people to make smart financial decisions is key to a bright future. Programs like Money Matters – Schwab’s flagship financial education program utilized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America – gives young people hands-on experience with all aspects of money and investing.
This example, and others, don’t just include program funding – they build partnerships that create impact and opportunity with national collaborations that reach more than 17 million youth annually, empowering young people with the tools and confidence to make smart financial decisions for life.
Spread the Financial Love
Championing financial literacy empowers everyone – individuals, families and communities. By serving as a board member, mentor, role model or educator to help bring financial literacy to others in your community, you can supply the tools and knowledge to lead programs that focus on giving back, empowering future generations in countless ways.
To learn more about financial literacy and find resources to empower your local community, visit SchwabMoneywise.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Last Updated on May 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
National Small Business Month
Every May, communities across the United States recognize Small Business Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the entrepreneurs, family-owned companies, startups, and local shops that help drive the American economy. From neighborhood restaurants to innovative tech startups, small businesses continue to play a vital role in creating jobs, supporting communities, and inspiring innovation.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for millions of jobs nationwide and represent the backbone of local economies. Throughout May, organizations, chambers of commerce, and business leaders host networking events, educational workshops, and promotional campaigns to support entrepreneurs and encourage consumers to shop locally.
One of the highlights of the month is National Small Business Week, which honors outstanding entrepreneurs and business owners making a difference in their communities.
For consumers, Small Business Month is also a reminder that supporting local businesses helps strengthen neighborhoods and keeps communities thriving. Whether it’s dining at a local café, shopping at an independent store, or hiring a local service provider, every purchase can make an impact.
Learn more about Small Business Month and related events through the official U.S. Small Business Administrationwebsite.
Related External Links
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- National Small Business Week – SBA
- SCORE – Mentoring and Resources for Small Businesses
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Small Business Resources
- Forbes Small Business News and Insights
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
How Hiring Veterans Can Strengthen the Workforce
(Feature Impact) Every year, about 200,000 service members transition from military service into civilian careers, offering employers access to a highly skilled and mission-driven talent pool. As organizations across industries seek dependable employees who can adapt and lead, veterans bring experience that translates directly to business success.
Veterans enter the workforce with a wide range of technical and professional skills. Military occupations span fields such as logistics, engineering, cybersecurity, aviation and health care, many of which align closely with civilian roles. This experience allows veterans to apply their training to roles across industries, from manufacturing to information technology, using their practical knowledge developed during their service.
Beyond technical expertise, veterans are widely recognized for their reliability, adaptability and strong work ethic. Military culture emphasizes responsibility, teamwork and accountability – qualities that can strengthen workplace culture and improve team performance. Additionally, employers that hire veterans with disabilities often qualify for federal tax credits, and many workplace accommodations are available to employers at no cost.
Despite these advantages, veterans transitioning from military service to civilian employment still face challenges. One of the most common obstacles is translating military experience into language civilian employers understand. Although more than 80% of military roles have civilian equivalents, differences in job titles and terminology related to responsibilities and accomplishments gained during service may not align neatly with traditional job descriptions, making it difficult for veterans to clearly communicate their qualifications.
To address these challenges, resources aimed at improving the understanding of military experience have grown in recent years. For example, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a nonprofit organization that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations, their families and survivors, recently released an updated edition of “The Veteran Advantage: DAV’s Hiring Guide for Employers of the Military Community,” a resource designed to help companies better recruit, hire and retain veteran and military spouse employees. The guide is available for free download at davhiringguide.org.
The no-cost guide offers practical information for employers seeking to build veteran-friendly workplaces. It includes guidance on translating military skills into civilian job qualifications, developing hiring initiatives focused on the military community and establishing employee resource groups for veterans and military spouses. It also highlights inclusive hiring practices designed to reduce barriers and better support those who have served.
“Veterans and military spouses consistently demonstrate strong work values, but many still face hurdles when transitioning into civilian careers,” DAV CEO Barry Jesinoski said. “Hiring veterans doesn’t just fill open roles – it strengthens organizations. But employers who don’t understand how to align military experience with business needs might overlook that talent.”
The nonprofit organization also connects employers with veteran job seekers through employment initiatives and outreach efforts. These programs help organizations better understand the value veterans bring to the workforce while supporting successful transitions into civilian careers.
These efforts are especially important as many veterans continue to face barriers to employment. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the veteran unemployment rate in March 2026 was 3.8%, with the rate climbing to 5.4% among veterans with disabilities, underscoring the persistent challenges many encounter when transitioning to the civilian workforce.
For many employers, hiring veterans is not simply about filling open positions. It’s an opportunity to bring experienced leaders and skilled professionals into the workforce – individuals whose service has prepared them to contribute in meaningful ways long after their military careers have ended.
Photos courtesy of DVIDS. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.
SOURCE:
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
