Aussie CEOs more confident coming into 2026

A recent PwC CEO Survey has revealed that Australian chief executives are reporting a surge in confidence levels based on increasing economic growth, despite global trends of falling confidence.

Previously measured at 35 per cent, Australian CEO confidence levels were noted to have jumped to 58 per cent, with 49 per cent of those surveyed being very, or extremely confident about revenue growth over the next 12 months.

In comparison to global numbers, Australian CEOs held a higher level of confidence with only 30 per cent of CEOs globally being confident for the upcoming year.

Based on this contrast, the big four firm said the research revealed a critical gap between optimism and investment.

The survey consisted of 4,454 CEOs globally, with 108 of these being Australian, and found the major concern for the majority of the Australian participants was transforming fast enough to keep up with technological changes.

Kevin Burrowes, CEO of PwC Australia, said that from those surveyed, most agreed that more could be done to invest in emerging technologies such as AI.

“Australian CEOs are seeing opportunity while the world pulls back, and there is an awareness that their investment levels need to match their optimism,” he said.

“Doubling down on AI, and making no-regret choices, will help CEOs realise the gains their global counterparts are reporting, such as revenue windfalls and expansion into new markets or sectors.”

Merger and acquisition activity also saw a jump, with 47 per cent of Australian CEOs reporting having competed in new sectors over the past five years.

According to PwC, there was a 30 per cent increase last year, which propelled it ahead of the global 42 per cent average.

In terms of sectors CEOs were looking to target, 39 per cent said they were looking into industrial and services, 33 per cent into financial services and 32 per cent into technology.

Burrowes said 53 per cent were planning major acquisitions worth more than 10 per cent of company assets in the next three years, with 27 per cent seeking acquisitions outside their core sector.

“We’re seeing Australian companies broaden their horizons as industry boundaries blur. The most successful are using M&A not just for scale, but as a catalyst for transformation – acquiring capabilities they can’t build fast enough organically.”

Despite AI continuing to be a hot topic within the accounting industry, only 28 per cent of Australian CEOs believed their current AI investment levels were sufficient to deliver their goals.

A notable talent gap was also evident, with only 28 per cent of Australian CEOs being able to attract high-quality AI talent compared to 42 per cent globally.

This translated into only 15 per cent of Australian companies seeing revenue gains from AI versus 30 per cent globally, according to Burrowes.

“The AI opportunity is massive, but Australia risks falling behind on execution. Companies that made serious AI investments two years ago are now seeing outsized returns. Those waiting for perfect conditions risk being left behind by more decisive competitors.”

“Most importantly, those who see AI as a growth engine can focus freed resources on revenue-generating initiatives, such as innovation, customer relationships and strategic thinking, which in turn increase their competitive advantage.”

It was noted, however, that trust in AI had improved, with 37 per cent of Australian CEOs having expressed a high level of confidence in AI.

The data also revealed Australian companies were well-positioned to expand their regional footprint from a strong domestic base, with Asia-Pacific having emerged as the biggest driver of global growth.

Burrowes said investment flows were showing “positive momentum”, with Japanese investment interest in Australia having increased from 2 to 9 per cent year on year.

“Australian companies are already proving they can successfully expand into new sectors – 47 per cent have entered new industries in the past five years.”

“This proven ability to diversify, combined with our geographic advantage and strong trade relationships, positions us perfectly to capture the massive growth opportunity in our own region. The companies that make this leap will build the market knowledge and relationships that create lasting competitive advantages.”