CEO Confidence Index, June Quarter 2019: Economic outlook deteriorates

The June Quarter 2019 survey was conducted between 27 March and 12 April 2019 and provides insight into the challenges and opportunities businesses are facing in the next quarter and year ahead.
Key Findings
- For the first time in two years, the CEO Confidence Index has fallen below the positive/negative 100 level to 97
- Ahead of the Federal Election, more than 50 per cent of CEOs are concerned policy changes will negatively impact business performance
- Indicators of own business conditions have stayed in positive territory
- Expectations for sales, profits, investment and staffing remain high
Business leaders’ confidence in the economy has fallen for the third consecutive quarter, reveals The Executive Connection CEO Confidence Index, June Quarter 2019.
The CEO Confidence Index fell 15 points in the June Quarter to 97, falling below the positive/negative 100 level for the first time in two years. Expectations of the economy for the year ahead fell 16 points to 80 and economic performance compared to a year ago fell 35 points to 81.

About the CEO Confidence Index
The Executive Connection CEO Confidence Index is a quarterly survey measuring the economic outlook and sentiment of Australian business leaders of Mid-market organisations. The survey measures the following indexes:
- Views about economic conditions compared to a year ago
- Expectations for economic conditions in the year ahead
- Business expectations for the next 12 months on:
− Fixed capital expenditure
− Sales revenues
− Profitability
− Prices for their products and services
− Total headcount
The survey also identifies the challenges and opportunities faced by leaders including business operations, leadership, talent and technology. Members are CEOs and business leaders of businesses with up to 200 employees and annual revenue of between $2 million and $100+ million per year. The results provide insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by leaders and their confidence in the Australian business environment as well as insights into key issues such as political leadership, access to funding and market conditions.