What are Vistage CEOs 1st Quarter Thoughts?

Two-thirds of all CEOs surveyed believe the economy has improved
during the past year and half expect further gains during the year
ahead. The Vistage CEO Confidence Index was 105.2 in the 1st quarter of
2011—barely below 106.3 recorded in the prior quarter but well above
the 93.7 in last year’s 1st quarter survey. Overall CEO confidence has
more than doubled since the recession low of 48.7 two years ago.
Compared with recent trends, there was very little change in any of the
components. The small declines reflect a persistent uncertainty about
the impact of federal and state tax policies on the economy, events
overseas, and the profitability of their firms. Overall, the majority of CEOs
expect economic growth to continue uninterrupted.
Dr. Richard Curtin, Director of Surveys and Consumers at the University
of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and Vistage consultant for the Confidence Index
notes, “Current economic conditions had improved according to 63% of
all CEOs in the 1st quarter, up from 48% one year ago and just 2% two
years ago. Only 5% thought that the economy had worsened —
the lowest percentage in six years.”