CFOs are maintaining steady confidence despite a volatile business environment, according to Grant Thornton’s Q4 2025 CFO survey of more than 230 finance leaders. The survey shows that 52% of CFOs remain optimistic about the U.S. economy, broadly unchanged from the prior quarter, reflecting a more resilient outlook after sharp swings earlier in the year. Finance leaders report stability across key fundamentals such as supply chains, labor availability, cost control, and growth expectations. This steadiness has encouraged CFOs to continue investing in growth initiatives rather than retreating into defensive cost-cutting, even as uncertainty persists around interest rates and policy direction.
Technology investment has emerged as a central priority. About 67% of respondents expect higher spending on IT and digital transformation, while 60% anticipate increased cybersecurity budgets. CFOs increasingly view automation and AI as necessary tools to improve efficiency and agility, though confidence in achieving technology goals has softened as leaders weigh which solutions deliver the strongest returns.
Operating expenses are also expected to rise, alongside growing interest in shared services and outsourcing to access talent and manage costs. At the same time, CFOs are closely evaluating workforce strategies, balancing technology adoption with hiring, training, and retention needs. Overall, the survey suggests finance leaders are deploying capital deliberately, focusing on digital capabilities, tax opportunities, and operational flexibility to support near-term execution and longer-term performance.
