A recent survey by Grant Thornton reveals that 52% of chief financial officers express optimism about the US economy. This figure marks a slight increase from 51% in the previous quarter.
The current reading shows stability compared to earlier fluctuations. After last year's election, optimism stood at 68%, while it dropped to 39% following second-quarter tariff announcements.
The findings come from Grant Thornton's Q4 2025 CFO survey, which gathered responses from 230 finance leaders. According to the survey, CFOs are addressing uncertainty by investing in digital tools and automation. They are also working to build more agile organizations to improve efficiency and seize growth opportunities.
Paul Melville, national managing partner of Grant Thornton Advisors Advisory Services' Accounts and Growth, stated, "CFOs have become accustomed to swings in the market, and they have developed enough resilience where they are not afraid to invest in growth at this time."
Views on key business fundamentals have remained steady, with Q4 results largely consistent with the prior quarter. Confidence in meeting supply chain needs held at 57%. Confidence in meeting labor needs reached 53% in Q4, up from 51% in Q3.
Confidence in cost control rose slightly to 53% from 50%. Confidence in growth increased to 49% from 46%.
Technology spending plans strengthened, with 67% of CFOs expecting to raise IT and digital transformation budgets next year. Cybersecurity budgets are also projected to rise, with 60% forecasting an increase, up 17% from the previous quarter.
About 51% of respondents anticipate operating expenses will increase over the next year. Tax planning is another area drawing attention, as CFOs evaluate the potential impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
In the survey, 44% said they expect the law to benefit their business, while 18% said it will hurt their financial position.