Over 60% of chief financial officers surveyed by Zurich Insurance Group AG, Ernst & Young LLP and the Atlantic Council said they are confident or extremely confident about investing in the U.S., while 71% expect the business environment in the country to improve over the next three years. The overall economic sentiment, the Trump administration’s deregulation efforts and the effects of the U.S. tax overhaul that was signed into law in December contributed to the positive outlook of the nearly 500 chief financial officers who participated in the survey. However, nearly 70% of CFOs said they believe U.S. protectionism will rise in the coming three years, with nearly 50% indicating this would have a negative impact on investments. The researchers interviewed 497 chief financial officers in February and March of this year. Around a quarter of companies generated $100 million to $500 million in annual revenue, while another quarter had revenues of between $500 million to $3 billion.

Source: Wall Street Journal May 03, 2018 14:37 UTC