Global Business Survey Finds Strong Increase In Optimism

Business leaders report strong increase in optimism heading into 2017

The findings, from Grant Thornton's most recent quarterly global survey of 2,600 businesses in 37 economies, suggest that business leaders are putting a period of uncertainty around many major issues behind them. And while pockets of difficulty remain, the findings show that businesses are entering this year in a positive frame of mind.

Research from the Grant Thornton International Business Report reveals that, globally, business optimism at the end of Q4 2016 stands at net 38%. This is an increase of 5pp from Q3 and the highest level since Q3 2015. In the US, optimism has increased from 43% to 54% – and the trend is repeated around the globe. The world's two other big economic blocs, China (30% to 46%) and the EU (28% to 34%), have reported similar jumps.