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Related Expertise: Corporate Finance and Strategy, Value Creation Strategy and Shareholder Activism Defense, Business Resilience

BCG Investor Perspectives Series

As we navigate an uncertain world, what do investors expect from the US economy, the US stock market, and business leaders?

BCG has been surveying portfolio managers and senior analysts to bring the voice of the investor to business leaders and boards of directors. Key findings from Pulse Check #21, conducted October 7–11, 2022, include:
  • Only 13% of investors are bullish on the economy—a new series low.
  • The number one macro concern for 87% of investors is inflation and the Federal Reserve’s policy.
  • Eighty-five percent believe a recession will start before or during the first half of 2023, including 40% that think the US is already in one.
  • More than ever across the past 20 surveys, investors want leaders to deliver on guidance, and a significant percentage continue to support leaders exiting or divesting lines of business to strengthen their company.
The series began in March 2020 as the COVID-19 Investor Pulse Check. Click here to view the most recent slideshow and explore earlier editions.

The BCG Investor Perspectives Series is intended to bring the voice of the investor to business leaders and board members. While we feature the most recent research here, you can explore earlier editions below.

Our most recent survey was conducted February 13–22, 2023. It finds that while investors are less bearish than they were in Q4 2022, they remain concerned about elevated inflation and a potential recession, and their focus on the short term has increased. A clear majority of investors—63%—want companies to prioritize protecting their top line, and 71% expect companies to deliver on guidance and consensus, while 75% support exiting or divesting lines of business to strengthen the company. However, optimism for the next three years is at a series high—73% of investors are bullish, compared with the series average of 61%.

The respondents represent investment firms with more than $5 trillion in combined assets under management. They cover a broad spectrum of investing types and styles, and about 96% are portfolio managers and senior analysts directly responsible for making buy, sell, and hold decisions. The series began in March 2020 as the COVID-19 Investor Pulse Check, and this edition is the 22nd in the series.

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Perspectives on Strategy and Value: Insights on creating sustainable value in an uncertain world.

BCG Investor Perspectives Series

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