{"id":958849,"date":"2026-05-06T08:04:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T12:04:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/u-s-bank-cfo-survey-geopolitics-and-inflation-rise-on-the-risk-agenda-but-cfos-keep-moving-on-growth-deals\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T08:04:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T12:04:59","slug":"u-s-bank-cfo-survey-geopolitics-and-inflation-rise-on-the-risk-agenda-but-cfos-keep-moving-on-growth-deals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/u-s-bank-cfo-survey-geopolitics-and-inflation-rise-on-the-risk-agenda-but-cfos-keep-moving-on-growth-deals\/","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Bank CFO Survey: Geopolitics and Inflation Rise on the Risk Agenda, but CFOs Keep Moving on Growth, Deals"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

U.S. Bank CFO Survey: Geopolitics and Inflation Rise on the Risk Agenda, but CFOs Keep Moving on Growth, Deals<\/b><\/p>\n

Research captures finance leader insights on AI investment returns, supply chain repositioning, M&A appetite and cost pressures<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE<\/a>)–
\nCutting costs remains finance leaders\u2019 top priority, but growth has moved sharply higher on the agenda, according to the latest U.S. Bank CFO Insights Report<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\nThe results of this research are based on a survey conducted between March 19 and April 14 of 1,000 senior finance leaders. The respondents work at U.S. businesses with at least $100 million in annual revenue, and 30% work for a business that generates at least $2 billion.<\/p>\n

\nThe survey finds that 39% ranked cost cutting as their top priority (up from 33% in mid-2024), while revenue growth rose from seventh to second (31%). In addition, 30% said contributing to business-wide digital transformation is a top priority.<\/p>\n

\nDeal appetite is also rising. Nearly half (49%) of finance leaders say they are more likely to make acquisitions in the next 12 months than the past 12. Finance leaders say bolt-on acquisitions are the most likely deal type. Respondents in healthcare, life sciences and pharmaceuticals, and technology were among the most likely to say that M&A would rise in their sector in the next 12 months.<\/p>\n

\nNear-term economic sentiment has cooled, according to the survey. Just 36% hold a positive 12-month outlook for the U.S. economy, down from 42% in mid-2024. Even so, the longer-term view remains constructive, with 58% reporting a positive three-year outlook for the U.S. economy. Finance leaders at larger organizations are significantly more optimistic than their counterparts at smaller firms. More than half (57%) of those at companies generating more than $5 billion in annual revenue say they feel positive about the U.S. economy over the next 12 months, compared with just 24% at companies with revenue from $100 million to $249.9 million.<\/p>\n

\n\u201cCFOs are managing through real cross-currents right now, with elevated geopolitical and inflation concerns. It\u2019s no surprise that those pressures are weighing on near-term sentiment. But on the ground, in investment and business activity, we\u2019re seeing more confidence. Leaders are still pursuing growth while maintaining cost discipline and sharpening risk management,\u201d said Stephen Philipson, U.S. Bank Vice Chair and Head of Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking.<\/p>\n

Key Survey Findings<\/b><\/p>\n