To say that 2012 was a difficult year for CFOs around the globe is an understatement. Given the political uncertainties in the United States, the currency crisis in Europe, the slowdown in China, and various regulatory hurdles, CFOs had little clarity into the future or comfort level for investment. Judging from the results of the latest Global CFO Signals, however, Q4 may mark a turning point. But, will 2013 be the year CFOs finally signal strong optimism about their companies'– and their countries'– prospects?
The good news is that CFOs' optimism toward their companies' prospects has turned positive in many countries. Driving that optimism is the fact that several "uncertainties" have been at least temporarily resolved. Fears have receded over a single currency breakup in Europe. U.S. elections played out, and the fiscal cliff was avoided (for now). And perhaps more importantly, many CFOs put their financial houses in order, with strong balance sheets and better cost structures that position their companies for growth.
What seems clear is that CFOs and their companies have the means to grow. They just need the confidence — and in many cases, the regulatory clarity — to get started.
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