As the calendar flips to 2026, American chief executives are voicing sharper anxieties over economic unpredictability than their counterparts abroad, according to a fresh survey from Fox Business reporting on The Conference Board’s findings. The poll of over 1,700 executives, including more than 750 CEOs from North America, Europe and Asia, reveals that 43% of U.S. leaders rank economic uncertainty as their paramount threat for the year ahead, eclipsing recession fears cited by 35%. Globally, downturn risks lead with 36%, while uncertainty trails at 29%.

This divergence underscores a distinctly American unease amid policy shifts and geopolitical tensions. “CEOs of U.S. companies as 2026 begins is economic uncertainty, which is a bigger concern for American business leaders than their global peers,” the Fox Business article notes, highlighting how U.S. executives’ worries outpace international peers.

Survey Highlights Broader C-Suite Fears

The Conference Board’s report, detailed in a PR Newswire release, paints a picture of executives entering the year “on edge.” It captures sentiments from C-suite leaders navigating inflation pressures, labor shortages and potential trade disruptions. U.S. CEOs, in particular, flagged uncertainty tied to fiscal policy and regulatory changes.

Bloomberg’s coverage in its newsletter amplifies this, noting the survey is “full of signs that the private sector is worried about politics, especially in the US.” Social risks, including talent shortages and cybersecurity, also loom large, but economic opacity dominates.

Domestic Optimism Clashes with Global Caution

Despite these concerns, some forecasts offer glimmers of resilience. Deloitte Insights projects U.S. growth supported by artificial intelligence investments, though it cautions about sustainability. Goldman Sachs, cited in Fox Business, anticipates faster 2026 expansion despite a stagnant job market.

The Conference Board’s own U.S. economic forecast, updated January 15, predicts moderate growth but warns of volatility from consumer spending slowdowns and federal deficits. “Monthly update of The Conference Board’s forecast for the US economy,” it states, emphasizing real-time adjustments.

Policy Shifts Fuel the Anxiety

Political transitions are central to the unease. Brookings’ January 13 analysis flags immigration, tariff policies and fiscal maneuvers as key 2026 watchers. “Nine Brookings experts share the economic issues they’ll be watching in 2026,” from trade barriers to labor flows.

Bloomberg Law echoes this: “American CEOs are far more concerned about economic uncertainty than their global counterparts.” Tariff threats and deregulation prospects amplify the fog for U.S. firms reliant on global supply chains.

Global Peers Show Relative Composure

International CEOs prioritize recession avoidance, per the Conference Board data. Europe’s leaders cite energy costs and sluggish growth, while Asia focuses on regional tensions. The U.S. outlier status reflects exposure to domestic policy wildcards.

The Guardian’s December 30 preview notes cooling inflation but flags AI growth and trade policy risks worldwide. “Inflation is predicted to cool but uncertainty over AI-driven growth and trade policy poses risks,” it reports.

Corporate Strategies in Response

Executives are adapting. The Washington Post analyzed late-2025 earnings calls, finding optimistic tones on growth amid household pessimism. “Executives on earnings calls in late 2025 struck an increasingly optimistic tone,” contrasting public sentiment.

Fortune’s January 14 piece on World Economic Forum risks lists downturns, inflation and asset bubbles as CEO worries. “CEOs are increasingly worried about an economic downturn, inflation, and an asset bubble bust,” it states.

Labor and Cost Pressures Persist

Newsweek reports in a recent article that businesses eye price hikes amid “measured” optimism. “U.S. businesses are entering 2026 with ‘measured’ optimism, a new survey finds, but labor and cost pressures persist.”

On X, Fox Business posted: “US CEOs fear economic uncertainty more than their global peers as they head into 2026.” Posts reflect real-time buzz around the survey.

Investment Implications for Insiders

For industry players, this signals hedging strategies. AI and tech investments may accelerate, per Deloitte, while supply chain diversification gains urgency. Monitoring Fed moves and tariff implementations will be critical.

The Conference Board’s global scope reveals U.S. exceptionalism in worry levels, urging executives to benchmark against peers. As 2026 unfolds, clarity on policy could ease tensions—or deepen them.