American chief executives are more positive about the U.S. economy than they've been at any time in the past two years, according to a recent survey.

The index of CEO confidence rose to 53, above the 50 level that suggests optimism about the economy, the latest 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Conference Board report showed. This is the first time the index has excee⛎ded 50 since the first quarter of 2022. It was at 46 in the last thr🐓ee months of 2023.

“CEOs are feeling better about the economy, but remain cautious about risks ahead,” said Conference Board Trustee Roger W. Ferguson, J🐼r.

The greatest domestic challenge affecting businesses this year, according to Ferguson, is political uncertainty ahead of US elections; globally, cited by 51%. The spread of ඣexisting wars was cited by 46% of those surveyed as the biggest risk.

The two main developments the CEOs flagged as benefiting business were reduced🤪ꦍ inflation, with 34% picking this point, and Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, chosen by 28% of those surveyed as a tailwind.

The survey showed that 36% of respondents expect economic conditions to improve in the coming six months, up from 19% last quarter. In turn, 27% expect 𝓰conditions t🐈o worsen, versus 47% in the previous survey.

Meanwhile, more CEOs are expecting to lay off staff tꦜhan in the fourth quarter last year. The Conference Board surv🅷ey found that 23% expect to lay off workers, up significantly from 13% last quarter.