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![CEO Confidence Enters 2026 with Measured Optimism [Q4 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_34b3b55744e34aac99d6b11217807a73~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_34b3b55744e34aac99d6b11217807a73~mv2.webp)
![CEO Confidence Enters 2026 with Measured Optimism [Q4 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_34b3b55744e34aac99d6b11217807a73~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_34b3b55744e34aac99d6b11217807a73~mv2.webp)
CEO Confidence Enters 2026 with Measured Optimism [Q4 Vistage CEO Index]
Joe Galvin January 14, 2026 Often, heightened optimism gives way to a phase of adjustment as expectations meet reality. One year ago, CEO confidence surged as post-election optimism fueled expectations of pro-business policies, easing inflation, and lower borrowing costs. That enthusiasm faded quickly. Shifting trade policy, rising costs, and uneven demand made planning difficult, sharply lowering confidence in early 2025 before it gradually stabilized. That context matters a

Dave Meehan
Jan 15
![CEO Confidence Remains ‘In Neutral’ As Leaders Wait [Vistage Q3 CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_57f1cc155a31479dbffad870f0c1e537~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_57f1cc155a31479dbffad870f0c1e537~mv2.webp)
![CEO Confidence Remains ‘In Neutral’ As Leaders Wait [Vistage Q3 CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_57f1cc155a31479dbffad870f0c1e537~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_57f1cc155a31479dbffad870f0c1e537~mv2.webp)
CEO Confidence Remains ‘In Neutral’ As Leaders Wait [Vistage Q3 CEO Index]
Joe Galvin November 3, 2025 “Only time will tell” is a time-honored truth. No strategy instantly comes to life at its announcement; it takes time for the initiatives to take hold and begin to have an impact. Leaders have a vision and extol the greatness of things to come, promising a brighter tomorrow, given time. However, it requires patience to see that vision come into reality, especially in uncertain times. CEO Confidence Rises, Remains Below Last Year The Q3 2025 Vistage

Dave Meehan
Nov 20, 2025
![CEO Confidence Cools: Uncertainty Derails Workforce Expansion, Adds to Burnout [Q2 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_1b52b73d71814968ae43f2d8d36bbe23~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_1b52b73d71814968ae43f2d8d36bbe23~mv2.webp)
![CEO Confidence Cools: Uncertainty Derails Workforce Expansion, Adds to Burnout [Q2 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_1b52b73d71814968ae43f2d8d36bbe23~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_1b52b73d71814968ae43f2d8d36bbe23~mv2.webp)
CEO Confidence Cools: Uncertainty Derails Workforce Expansion, Adds to Burnout [Q2 Vistage CEO Index]
Joe Galvin July 2, 2025 Depending on the source, the U.S. economy is either booming or on the brink of collapse. As always, reality lies somewhere in between. During the rising tide decade of the 2010s, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index averaged 97.8, buoyed by strong growth and low interest rates. That momentum hit a wall with the pandemic. Confidence cratered to 65.5 in Q2 2020, the second-lowest in the Index’s 22-year history, as businesses struggled through shutdowns and s

Dave Meehan
Nov 19, 2025
![Uncertainty returns CEO confidence to pre-election levels [Q1 2025 CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_ccfec88720864aada786f3d4351e98aa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_ccfec88720864aada786f3d4351e98aa~mv2.webp)
![Uncertainty returns CEO confidence to pre-election levels [Q1 2025 CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_ccfec88720864aada786f3d4351e98aa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_ccfec88720864aada786f3d4351e98aa~mv2.webp)
Uncertainty returns CEO confidence to pre-election levels [Q1 2025 CEO Index]
Joe Galvin April 7, 2025 Uncertainty rules, much like it did through the recovery phase of a post-pandemic economy. The hopes and beliefs following the election for a pro-business tax and regulatory environment, along with stabilized inflation and interest rates and increased business activity, have been replaced by mounting concerns about economic instability. With this uncertainty comes a reversal in post-election optimism, as the Vistage CEO Confidence Index fell 22.1 poin

Dave Meehan
Nov 19, 2025
![CEO confidence surges, indicating growth in 2025 [Q4 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_d6828cf3661c48d3ac530f2a7370f031~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_d6828cf3661c48d3ac530f2a7370f031~mv2.webp)
![CEO confidence surges, indicating growth in 2025 [Q4 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_d6828cf3661c48d3ac530f2a7370f031~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_d6828cf3661c48d3ac530f2a7370f031~mv2.webp)
CEO confidence surges, indicating growth in 2025 [Q4 Vistage CEO Index]
Joe Galvin January 15, 2025 Heading into 2025, CEO confidence is optimistic on all fronts. The Vistage CEO Confidence Index soared 15.7...

Dave Meehan
Jan 19, 2025
![Promise of rate cut drives CEO confidence [Q3 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_8334dc93b57d444c87b0a0edc73dd210~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_8334dc93b57d444c87b0a0edc73dd210~mv2.webp)
![Promise of rate cut drives CEO confidence [Q3 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_8334dc93b57d444c87b0a0edc73dd210~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_8334dc93b57d444c87b0a0edc73dd210~mv2.webp)
Promise of rate cut drives CEO confidence [Q3 Vistage CEO Index]
Joe Galvin October 16, 2024 The latest Vistage CEO Confidence Index shows a slight improvement in CEO sentiment compared to last quarter,...

Dave Meehan
Oct 18, 2024
![CEO confidence takes a dip [Q2 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_f24ed5c01ba34cb7a3e4568807133556~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_f24ed5c01ba34cb7a3e4568807133556~mv2.webp)
![CEO confidence takes a dip [Q2 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_f24ed5c01ba34cb7a3e4568807133556~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_f24ed5c01ba34cb7a3e4568807133556~mv2.webp)
CEO confidence takes a dip [Q2 Vistage CEO Index]
Joe Galvin July 16, 2024 “It’s not swimming, but it’s not drowning.” While that phrase describes a 4-year-old in a pool, it can also be...

Dave Meehan
Oct 18, 2024
![CEO Confidence Rises to the Valley of the 2010s Growth Cycle [Q1 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_8e24553be10c4181bf9e4abc5bc1dcc1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_8e24553be10c4181bf9e4abc5bc1dcc1~mv2.webp)
![CEO Confidence Rises to the Valley of the 2010s Growth Cycle [Q1 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_8e24553be10c4181bf9e4abc5bc1dcc1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_8e24553be10c4181bf9e4abc5bc1dcc1~mv2.webp)
CEO Confidence Rises to the Valley of the 2010s Growth Cycle [Q1 Vistage CEO Index]
By: Joe Galvin April 15, 2024 Athletes recovering from serious injuries go through rigorous rehab just to get back to minimum performance...

Dave Meehan
Apr 18, 2024
![Confidence improves as CEOs wait for takeoff [Q4 2023 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_9ca08c03970a4fadb30ee8f3b1092a4e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_9ca08c03970a4fadb30ee8f3b1092a4e~mv2.webp)
![Confidence improves as CEOs wait for takeoff [Q4 2023 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_9ca08c03970a4fadb30ee8f3b1092a4e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_9ca08c03970a4fadb30ee8f3b1092a4e~mv2.webp)
Confidence improves as CEOs wait for takeoff [Q4 2023 Vistage CEO Index]
By: Joe Galvin January 16, 2024 Waiting to take off can be one of the most frustrating aspects of air travel. Sitting on the tarmac as...

Dave Meehan
Jan 29, 2024


Vistage at 65: A Legacy of Leadership Innovation, Impact & Success
Throughout our 65-year history, we've dedicated ourselves to making sure that business leaders have everything they need to make great...

Dave Meehan
Jan 29, 2024


Helping Small & Midsize Businesses Make a Great Big Impact
CEO's and owners of small and mid-size businesses: We know your struggles - your worries -the everyday challenges you face. We know it's...

Dave Meehan
Jan 15, 2024
![CEO confidence adjusts upward [Q3 2023 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_3dec13d26c9b40cfa14e3e286f650c49~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_3dec13d26c9b40cfa14e3e286f650c49~mv2.webp)
![CEO confidence adjusts upward [Q3 2023 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_3dec13d26c9b40cfa14e3e286f650c49~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_3dec13d26c9b40cfa14e3e286f650c49~mv2.webp)
CEO confidence adjusts upward [Q3 2023 Vistage CEO Index]
By: Joe Galvin October 11, 2023 “Are we there yet?” is both the refrain of small children on long car trips — and CEOs looking for the...

Dave Meehan
Nov 1, 2023


"Rambling with Rufus"
Stay cool this summer - AND in those times when Crisis bangs up against your busy! Deal with it by NOT choosing Chaos. Shout out to...

Dave Meehan
Aug 7, 2023


The Vistage secret and the magic that happens in the room...
Vistage Peer Advisory groups are impossible to describe with mere words. Click to watch the video below:

Dave Meehan
Aug 7, 2023
![CEO confidence stabilizes following pandemic volatility [Q2 2023 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_4f2dcf9795d147dda9ba7eaa443ed08e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_35,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_4f2dcf9795d147dda9ba7eaa443ed08e~mv2.webp)
![CEO confidence stabilizes following pandemic volatility [Q2 2023 Vistage CEO Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_4f2dcf9795d147dda9ba7eaa443ed08e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_4f2dcf9795d147dda9ba7eaa443ed08e~mv2.webp)
CEO confidence stabilizes following pandemic volatility [Q2 2023 Vistage CEO Index]
By: Joe Galvin July 11, 2023 Pilots will tell you that any landing you walk away from is a good landing, it’s just that some are smoother...

Dave Meehan
Aug 7, 2023
![CEO confidence stalls ahead of economic slowdown [Q1 2023 CEO Confidence Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_44028567801e4437978e1c8f39ba62fa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_44028567801e4437978e1c8f39ba62fa~mv2.webp)
![CEO confidence stalls ahead of economic slowdown [Q1 2023 CEO Confidence Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_44028567801e4437978e1c8f39ba62fa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_44028567801e4437978e1c8f39ba62fa~mv2.webp)
CEO confidence stalls ahead of economic slowdown [Q1 2023 CEO Confidence Index]
By: Joe Galvin April 13, 2023 When approaching a tight corner at high speed, a race car driver will downshift, leveraging both the brakes...

Dave Meehan
May 2, 2023


"Rambling with Rufus"
A true satisfaction is to live in that moment as if there was never an expectation for more...

Dave Meehan
Feb 21, 2023


"Rambling with Rufus"
Just like fish we have the positive & negative mindset....

Dave Meehan
Feb 21, 2023


Trends for 2023 and beyond
By: Vistage Staff December 14, 2022 Leaders have to stay on top of trends and how they affect their business in order to stay...

Dave Meehan
Feb 2, 2023
![CEO sentiment holds with little change from Q3 [Q4 2022 CEO Confidence Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_e82d1a2e85f941a7984ea83dca075727~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_e82d1a2e85f941a7984ea83dca075727~mv2.webp)
![CEO sentiment holds with little change from Q3 [Q4 2022 CEO Confidence Index]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ecb5d0_e82d1a2e85f941a7984ea83dca075727~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/ecb5d0_e82d1a2e85f941a7984ea83dca075727~mv2.webp)
CEO sentiment holds with little change from Q3 [Q4 2022 CEO Confidence Index]
By: Joe Galvin January 5, 2023 In the golden age of sailing, mariners knew that the area near the equator where the trade winds shifted...

Dave Meehan
Feb 2, 2023
Research and Insights
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