CEO Optimism Is Up "Sharply"

Plus, takeaways from this week's Barclays conference in Miami

Are you feeling optimistic?

If so, you’re in good company. Per the Conference Board, CEOs are more confident than they’ve been in three years. The measure is up “sharply,” by nine points in Q1 of 2025, to 60. That indicates an upgrade from “cautious optimism” to “confident optimism.”

Said the Conference Board’s Stephanie Guichard:

The improvement in CEO Confidence in the first quarter of 2025 was significant and broad-based. All components of the Measure improved, as CEOs were substantially more optimistic about current economic conditions as well as about future economic conditions — both overall and in their own industries.

Even I, a certified Eeyore, see some reasons for positivity. Easier hiring and less regulatory uncertainty are among them.

What did execs say at this week’s Barclays conference?

On my X feed, I’ve been keeping track of #WhatCEOsAreSaying via analysis of transcripts from earnings calls and conference presentations.

For today, here are some takeaways from executives of notable companies who spoke at the Barclays 42nd Annual Industrial Select Conference (which happened Feb. 19–20).

I wasn’t there in Miami for it, but fortunately recordings of the sessions are available.