MOSCOW (Sputnik) — With 66 percent of the world's 1,409 leading executive officers from 83 countries seeing more threats against their companies than three years ago, only 27 percent maintain a positive outlook for economic growth over the coming year, the PwC survey, conducted in the last quarter of 2015, revealed. The figure is down from last year's 37 percent.
Global growth is expected to fall by 67 percent of Western European CEOs, 66 percent of Middle Eastern CEOs and 84 percent of North American CEOs. China's stock market and currency turbulence, as well as plummeting oil prices and global geopolitical instability have all contributed to heightened concerns over growth prospects, according to the survey.
While concern with over-regulation stands above the rest for the fourth year running, concerns with the geopolitical situation has risen from last year's fourth place, with 74 percent respondents placing it second this year. Concerns over currency volatility took third place, while concerns further down the list included finding qualified employees and internet security.
"No matter what the business size, the threats it faces are becoming more complex, crossing the borders of geopolitics, regulation, cybersecurity, societal development, people, and reputation. There is a new spectrum of risk for CEOs that represents threats to both national and commercial interests," Global Chairman of PwC Dennis Nally said, quoted in the company's press release.
Amid uncertainty, CEOs chose the traditional growth hubs of the United States, China, Germany and the United Kingdom as countries key for ensuring growth. Mexico and the United Arab Emirates were revealed as the destinations of choice for investments.
The number of executives planning to hire in the coming year has not taken a hit, falling from 50 percent last year to 48 percent this year, the survey showed.
