Overview

• A new survey shows one in four U.S. businesses has scaled back hiring plans due to tariff-related uncertainty under President Trump's administration.
• CFO optimism has fallen significantly in 2025, with tariffs now ranked as the top concern for businesses, surpassing other economic issues.
• 25% of CFOs have reduced capital spending plans for 2025, citing trade policy as a primary factor impacting their decisions.
• Consumer confidence has reached its lowest point since January 2021, reflecting fears of inflation and recession tied to trade policy volatility.
• While most sectors report challenges, the construction industry stands out with a slight increase in optimism, contrasting broader economic concerns.