Reuters · 23 Sep, 11:21 · Finance briefing

Corporate finance chiefs lift inflation outlook, cite rates as concern - Fed survey

A recent Federal Reserve survey indicates that corporate finance chiefs have raised their inflation forecasts, citing elevated interest rates as a primary concern.

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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.

A recent Federal Reserve survey indicates that corporate finance chiefs have raised their inflation forecasts, citing elevated interest rates as a primary concern. This shift in sentiment suggests businesses anticipate persistent price pressures rather than a swift return to stability. For professionals, this signals a more cautious economic environment where cost control and financial resilience become paramount. The data reflects growing uncertainty among executives regarding future operational expenses and consumer spending patterns, highlighting the need for robust financial planning strategies in an increasingly volatile market landscape.

Employer demand for Finance and Accounting 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.

You must prioritise financial acumen and risk mitigation skills immediately. As inflation persists, organisations will reward professionals who can optimise costs, model complex economic scenarios, and safeguard cash flow. Focus on strengthening your expertise in financial analysis and strategic planning to demonstrate how your role contributes to organisational resilience. Review current projects for potential budget overruns and prepare contingency plans. Engage with senior leadership to discuss long-term financial strategies, showing you understand the macroeconomic implications. Upskill in data-driven decision-making to support precise forecasting. Proactively identify inefficiencies in your department, positioning yourself as a critical asset capable of navigating economic headwinds while maintaining operational excellence and driving sustainable growth.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Finance and Accounting, Financial Modeling, Risk Management Strategies and Business And Management — 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

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