The Autumn 2024 Deloitte European CFO Survey highlights a mixed outlook among senior financial executives, marked by cautious optimism amidst ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. With input from 1,738 CFOs across 20 countries, the survey reveals a nuanced perspective. Despite declining inflation and interest rates, the anticipated economic recovery remains elusive. Confidence is strongest among CFOs in Central and Eastern Europe, fueled by EU-funded infrastructure projects, whereas pessimism persists in Germany, where the automotive sector grapples with declining exports and supply chain disruptions.
Despite the muted overall sentiment, 58% of CFOs expect revenue growth over the next year, with sectors such as tourism, retail, and life sciences leading the optimism. However, concerns over operating margins remain, particularly in Germany and the UK, where rising costs are straining businesses. Hiring intentions show regional disparities, with strong growth in Belgium and Hungary offset by job cuts in Austria and Germany. To navigate this challenging landscape, CFOs are prioritizing cost reduction, organic growth, and targeted investments in digitalization and green energy. Deloitte’s survey, which now includes 8 additional countries, underscores the need for strategic agility to achieve sustainable growth in uncertain times.
