CFO magazine’s survey of CFOs around the world reveal a confidence shortfall. I like the analysis because it concentrates on confidence and optimism levels which drive spending patterns of companies:
“Optimism reached its lowest point since the study launched it’s optimism index six years ago. Pessimists outnumber optimists by a nine-to-one margin, with 72 percent of finance chiefs more pessimistic about the U.S. economy than they were last quarter. Just 8 percent more optimistic.”
I completely understand the slide in optimism as compared to last quarter- but how severe is this? The lack of confidence seems driven by specific concerns:
“Weak consumer demand …read more

Jerry York, well known executive, has turned prognosticator according to CFO magazine’s article about York’s advice to CFOs about the possibility of a recession. I found York’s comments lacking in rationale and supportive facts. CFO seems to have embraced York’s musings without challenging them:
“It’s going to be a very bad recession, perhaps the worst I’ve seen in the 46 years I’ve been working….We have too many sectors going south all at once….I frankly don’t see many positive signs right now, we are looking at a really nasty economic situation.”
He seems so sure of his prediction yet admits complexity in the …read more