CFO Slice

Confidence among finance chiefs bounded sharply at the end of 2025, according to Deloitte’s Q4 CFO Signals report, with a Confidence Score rising to 6.6, the highest since 2021. Most CFOs now feel more optimistic about the economy and their own company’s prospects, with 56% expecting better economic conditions in the next year. Despite this renewed optimism, finance leaders are scaling back expectations on key financial metrics such as revenue, earnings, and hiring, reflecting caution amid softening consumer demand and persistent inflation. External concerns remain centered on the economy and inflation, while internal worries have shifted from talent shortages to productivity and cost efficiency. The shift in focus underscores the rising pressure on CFOs to prove returns on AI investments. Although two-thirds of CFOs have adopted artificial intelligence (AI) tools, only a small fraction (21%) report clear, measurable value. In 2026, CFOs will face the challenge of integrating AI more effectively to drive tangible performance gains. Overall, Deloitte’s Steve Gallucci praised CFOs for navigating another turbulent year marked by economic, technological, and geopolitical complexity, but warned that uncertainty is likely to persist into 2026.