Overview
- Forty‑three percent of U.S. CEOs name uncertainty as their chief economic worry for 2026, while global peers most often cite a downturn or recession.
- Measuring AI’s return on investment is the top AI task for leaders, led by 46% of U.S. CEOs versus 33% globally, even as 38% of U.S. CEOs expect AI’s near‑term impact to be negative.
- Cyberattacks are the No. 1 geopolitical risk, cited by 54% of U.S. CEOs and 47% globally, reflecting elevated concern over operational vulnerabilities.
- Trade and tariff volatility remains a key external drag for U.S. firms, with executives tracking legal questions over IEEPA‑based tariffs now before the Supreme Court.
- Leaders plan to protect profitability through business‑model changes (60% of U.S. CEOs), stepped‑up AI and tech investment, and stronger financial planning, while more U.S. CEOs de‑prioritize sustainability than global peers (38% vs 20%) and elevate employee mental health as a workforce priority.