Despite war and tariff uncertainty, CFOs are confident in economy: Duke-Fed survey

In the first quarter of 2026, finance chiefs’ optimism for their own business and the U.S. economy ticked up slightly.

By Dan Niepow • March 25, 2026

CFOs and private equity sponsors diverge on IPO timing and approach

While most CFOs surveyed by consulting firm Accordion said boards and sponsors should control IPO timing, more than half of PE sponsors said it’s the finance chief’s job.

By Dan Niepow • March 10, 2026

Despite volatile global conditions, finance leaders are optimistic: AICPA-CIMA survey

In the organizations’ latest economic outlook survey of CPAs and other business leaders, 39% said they’re optimistic about the U.S. economy.

By Dan Niepow • March 6, 2026

3 headwinds and tailwinds facing US economy: Goldman Sachs vice chair

From the persistence of tariffs to the promise of artificial intelligence, Robert Steven Kaplan outlined his take on the state of the American economy today.

By Dan Niepow • Feb. 27, 2026

Private equity deals hit $2.6T in 2025

New research by McKinsey & Company points to bigger deals, longer hold periods and the continued rise of “niche” methods of returning liquidity to investors.

By Dan Niepow • Feb. 19, 2026

Average enterprise business handles 40-plus bank accounts

A survey of finance leaders by fintech provider Adyen and Boston Consulting Group aims to quantify the complexities of running a large business.

By Dan Niepow • Jan. 28, 2026

American CEOs bullish on M&A in 2026: EY

A recent survey conducted by the Big Four firm shows more than half of U.S. chief executive respondents planning to “actively” pursue mergers and acquisitions this year.

By Dan Niepow • Jan. 27, 2026

What CFOs need to know for 2026

Finance leaders should become familiar with these trends and topics to minimize surprises and maximize leadership impact this year.

By CFO.com editorial staff • Jan. 26, 2026

Will private equity’s pivot to continuation vehicles continue in 2026?

The phenomenon of private equity firms essentially selling portfolio companies back to themselves has grown rapidly in recent years, but investors — and likely many CFOs — aren’t totally sold. 

By Dan Niepow • Jan. 22, 2026

Why CFO labor trends center on redesigning teams in 2026

This year’s finance labor trends are being shaped by the growing use of automation, a shift toward internal talent development and the need for CFOs to balance efficiency with adaptability. 

By Adam Zaki • Jan. 15, 2026

Economic fears prompt Americans to pare back on retirement savings

A new survey from Allianz Life shows a notable dip in the percentage of respondents who are still saving for retirement.

By Dan Niepow • Jan. 14, 2026

Consumers head into 2026 with worries about inflation and jobs

A recent survey by the New York Federal Reserve points to persistent concerns about price increases over the year ahead.

By Dan Niepow • Jan. 13, 2026

7 finance trends CFOs can’t ignore in 2026

Finance chiefs are entering the year facing new pressures around talent, tax policy, capital allocation and risk.

By Adam Zaki , Dan Niepow • Jan. 8, 2026

SMBs still fret about the economy but see good times ahead for themselves

After surviving a topsy-turvy 2025, companies are ramping up their growth plans.

By David McCann • Jan. 8, 2026

CFOs targeting both business growth and cost reductions in 2026

A new survey by Gartner shows the “very explicit tension” finance chiefs expect to face in the year ahead.

By Dan Niepow • Dec. 17, 2025

Mid-market investment in AI averaged $600K this year

A survey by Baker Tilly reveals concerns and spending priorities for leaders of midsize businesses heading into 2026.

By Dan Niepow • Dec. 15, 2025

CFOs expect inflation to linger through 2027

Though more than half of finance chiefs surveyed by CNBC don’t anticipate a recession in the new year, a similar share think inflation will remain above the Fed’s target rate for a while.

By Dan Niepow • Dec. 10, 2025

Finance leaders project modest revenue and profit gains in 2026

Despite a decline in optimism about the U.S. economy at large, finance execs are feeling pretty good about their own companies’ prospects.

By Dan Niepow • Dec. 9, 2025

CFOs netted average of $8.4M in benefits via change in control pacts this year

A new report by Alvarez & Marsal details average benefits paid to leaders across a variety of companies in the S&P 1500. 

By Dan Niepow • Nov. 20, 2025

CFO Alliance develops new processes for finance to quantify what’s often qualitative

The group’s “Project Greenlight” guide is designed to provide actionable steps for CFOs to take at a time of rapid change and uncertainty.

By Dan Niepow • Nov. 19, 2025

Tariff talk is dropping in earnings calls, but investors still have questions

Even as mentions of the word “tariff” have declined on Fortune 100 earnings calls, three experts with business advisory firm Riveron emphasized the importance of clear communication with investors. “Stay silent at your own risk,” said one.

By Dan Niepow • Nov. 18, 2025

As airfares increase, companies ‘squeezing as much as possible’ out of business trips

Leaders are consolidating business trips as the costs of both domestic and international flights rise, according to recent data compiled by a Flight Centre Travel Group subsidiary.

By Dan Niepow • Nov. 12, 2025

CFOs juggle a crush of competing priorities

Profit is top of mind for a plurality of finance chiefs, but most are emphasizing something else.

By David McCann • Nov. 7, 2025

Private equity deals declined in Q3 as deal value surged

Though there were fewer private equity deals year over year in the third quarter, overall deal value surpassed $300 billion for the first time in 14 quarters, according to KPMG.

By Dan Niepow • Oct. 29, 2025

CFOs aim to keep SG&A costs below revenue growth

Gartner’s 2026 Budget Assumptions survey shows finance chiefs targeting growth with a careful eye on headcounts.

By Dan Niepow • Oct. 21, 2025