America’s top business leaders are expressing strong optimism that President-elect Donald Trump will usher in an era of lower taxes and reduced regulations.

The Business Roundtable (BRT), a nonprofit association based in Washington, D.C., has released its fourth-quarter 2024 CEO Economic Outlook Survey,This survey compiles CEOs’ plans for spending, hiring, and sales expectations over the next six months.

The overall index climbed 12 points from the previous quarter to 91, marking the highest level in over two years and significantly above the historical average of 83. This rise reflects positive responses across all three key areas: hiring, capital investment, and sales.

CEOs anticipate a 2.6% growth in U.S. GDP for 2025.

“As we move into the new year, the Survey results highlight CEOs’ optimism about the U.S. economy in the upcoming months,” said Chuck Robbins, BRT Chair and CEO of Cisco.

“With Washington preparing to consider measures that could protect and enhance tax reform, create a sensible regulatory framework, and promote investment and job creation, business leaders are excited about the chance to collaborate with the incoming Administration and Congress on policies that can further stimulate our economy.”

Despite this optimism, mainstream economists have cautioned that some of Trump’s proposals may negatively impact the economy, according to Axios.

Joshua Bolten, CEO of the BRT, noted that the index is “well above its long-run average for the first time in nine quarters.” He emphasized that the organization will work with policymakers to support pro-growth aspects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, reduce burdensome regulations, and expand high-standard trade agreements, while steering clear of overly broad tariffs that could increase inflation and costs for American businesses and consumers.

“The top priority for Business Roundtable is to maintain and strengthen the competitiveness of the American economy,” Bolten added.

The survey also revealed a decrease in the number of executives planning layoffs, with about 38% indicating intentions to expand their workforce—an increase of 4 points from the last quarter. Additionally, 42% of CEOs plan to boost capital spending, up from 35% in the third quarter. Furthermore, 79% of CEOs expect higher sales in the next six months, compared to 71% who held that expectation last quarter.

Keywords: #Centsationalmarket, #CEOs, #TrumpEconomy, #EconomicGrowth, #TaxReform, #JobCreation, #Optimism, #GDPGrowth, #CapitalInvestment #WorkforceExpansion