Skip to content

Sign Up

or

By submitting my information, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Already have an account?

CEOs set recession timeline for 2025

CEOs set recession timeline for 2025
Paul L.
Finance

A survey by Chief Executive has unveiled a wave of apprehension among America’s top business leaders, with a majority projecting that a recession is likely to hit in 2025.

The April 2025 survey, which polled 329 CEOs, revealed that 62% anticipate a recession or economic slowdown within the next six months, up from 48% who expressed similar concerns in March.

This growing pessimism, detailed in the Chief Executive’s CEO Confidence Index, stressed the rising fears within corporate America about the economy’s trajectory.

According to the survey, uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s tariff policies is the main catalyst for this bearish outlook.

Approximately 75% of the CEOs surveyed indicated that these tariffs would adversely affect their businesses in 2025, with around two-thirds explicitly opposing the proposed levies.

Impact of Trump tariffs among CEOs. Source: Chief Executive

Moreover, in recent weeks, Trump’s on-again, off-again approach to tariffs has intensified financial market volatility, rattled consumer confidence, and heightened anxiety among business leaders.

“Chaos in the moment with trade wars but it will settle out for the better of our country and economy,” said Jeff Chandler, the CEO and president at Hopdoddy in Texas.

Beyond the immediate threat of a downturn, the survey also highlighted a bleak outlook for growth and profitability. Only 4% of the executives foresee strong economic growth in the coming months. 

Additionally, just 37% of the executives expect profit gains in 2025, as rising cost pressures squeeze margins across industries.

Increasing recession calls 

Indeed, as trade tensions escalated in recent weeks, market players have increasingly adjusted their outlook to account for a potential recession. 

For instance, as reported by Finbold, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, echoing other Wall Street leaders, warned of economic risks amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions. 

On April 11, he stated that uncertainty stemming from Trump-era tariffs may lower S&P 500 earnings estimates, making a recession a “likely outcome.”

Similarly, Steve Hanke, Professor of Applied Economics at Johns Hopkins University, placed the probability of a 2025 recession at around 90%.

Conversely, Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio raised even more grave concerns, suggesting that the U.S. may face economic challenges more severe than a typical recession. 

He cautioned that the country is nearing a critical turning point, with risks tied to the current monetary system breakdown. Dalio emphasized that without careful management, the economic situation could significantly deteriorate.

Featured image via Shutterstock

Best Crypto Exchange for Intermediate Traders and Investors

  • Invest in cryptocurrencies and 3,000+ other assets including stocks and precious metals.

  • 0% commission on stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.

  • Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.

  • eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.

30+ million Users worldwide
Securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (“the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk, and content is provided for educational purposes only, does not imply a recommendation, and is not a guarantee of future performance. Finbold.com is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD

Latest posts

Finance Digest

By subscribing you agree with Finbold T&C’s & Privacy Policy

Related posts

Finance
Services

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Finbold is a news and information website. This Site may contain sponsored content, advertisements, and third-party materials, for which Finbold expressly disclaims any liability.

RISK WARNING: Cryptocurrencies are high-risk investments and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. (Click here to learn more about cryptocurrency risks.)

By accessing this Site, you acknowledge that you understand these risks and that Finbold bears no responsibility for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from your use of the Site or reliance on its content. Click here to learn more.