Business Roundtable · 16 Sep, 16:04 · Business briefing

CEO Economic Outlook Index Q3 2026

The Business Roundtable has published its CEO Economic Outlook Index for the third quarter of 2026.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

The Business Roundtable has published its CEO Economic Outlook Index for the third quarter of 2026. This quarterly report aggregates sentiment from chief executives regarding current economic conditions, future growth expectations, and labour market dynamics. The index serves as a key barometer for corporate confidence and strategic planning across major industries. It highlights prevailing trends in investment, hiring, and operational resilience, offering a factual snapshot of how top leaders perceive the evolving business landscape during this period.

Employer demand for Business And Management skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This report signals shifting priorities for corporate investment and talent acquisition. As CEO sentiment dictates budget allocation, roles aligned with strategic resilience and efficiency will see increased demand. You must align your skill set with these emerging priorities to remain competitive. Focus on developing capabilities in data-driven decision-making and adaptive leadership, as organisations seek professionals who can navigate uncertainty. Analyse the specific sectors showing growth in the index and tailor your development plan accordingly. Update your CV to highlight measurable impacts on efficiency or risk mitigation. Network with leaders in high-confidence sectors to understand their immediate needs. Proactively seek projects that demonstrate your ability to deliver value in a volatile economic climate, ensuring you remain indispensable.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Business And Management, Leadership, Risk Management Strategies and Finance and Accounting — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.