‘Improving operating efficiencies’ is the key growth driver for LATAM leaders this year. While many also focus on cost reduction, technology adoption, strategy reviews, and new product or service launches, the primary goal is to streamline operations for sustainable growth. Discover what regional leaders intend to action in our full report.
Middle East & Africa: Strategies for resilience and innovation
The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region has been a hotbed of transformations, with several countries making leaps in economic and digital growth despite tough economic conditions. 71% are confident global growth will increase in 2025, and Africa hosts three-quarters of the world’s top 20 fastest-growing economies.
Asia-Pacific: Navigating new digital frontiers for sustainable growth
APAC leaders have a favourable outlook for 2025. In most economies, inflation is de-accelerating, interest rates — easing, and consumer spending — climbing. 42% of leaders expect global growth to increase, up 5% from last year. Encouraged by macroeconomic developments, 79% of leaders are confident in their ability to grow revenue this year.
A balancing act of cautious confidence: Manufacturing sector outlook
Manufacturing companies are increasingly turning to novel technologies such as AI not only to mitigate risks but also to seize new opportunities for growth and innovation. AI maturity in the sector is gaining momentum, with 39% of respondents either exploring AI’s potential or widely deploying it to secure a competitive edge.
Europe: Driving growth through workforce resilience and innovation
European leaders started the year with muted confidence. Only 39% expect an increase in global growth, against 49% of respondents in other regions, but they refuse to be complacent. The majority (83%) are confident in growing their business this year by improving innovation capabilities, talent management, and operating models.
Growth risks top of mind: Financial Services sector outlook
When it comes to acting, 69% of leaders want to improve operational efficiency. 39% of them consider that they are “weak” in this area and need to address the problem. To make improvements, more than half plan to upgrade their technology systems; 45% will enhance their data analytics capabilities, in which AI is in the spotlight.
North America: Decisive innovation to fuel profit growth
North American leaders enter the new year with high confidence. Despite a more challenging landscape, growth opportunities are out there, but leaders in the region will need to get more prudent with spending to protect profit margins and fund innovation. Read our full North America Survey of Business Leaders report.
Leveraging AI to transform: Technology sector outlook
Business leaders in the tech industry are buoyant. They believe that they can leverage artificial intelligence to streamline operations, fully engage their people, and innovate. Around 61% of respondents expect an increase in the global growth rate in 2025; potentially because the sector is a key enabler of digital transformation.
IPO Watch Australia: Low volumes in 2024
Australia’s IPO market in 2024 saw its lowest activity in two decades with only 29 listings on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). At the same time, it experienced a considerable increase in funds raised; surging 387% in 2024 to a total of A$4.1 billion, up from A$847 million the previous year.
Navigating challenges and opportunities: Real Estate sector outlook
Amid rising interest rates, fluctuating material costs, and persistent supply chain disruptions, the real estate and construction industry is entering a year of heightened uncertainty in 2025. Despite this, confidence among industry leaders remains strong, with 77% of our survey respondents optimistic about their businesses’ growth prospects.
Survey of Business Leaders 2025
Find out detailed insights on the subject of powering-up your profitability, with a focus on efficiency over expansion, in the HLB Survey of Business Leaders 2025.
Mexico: A strategic hub for nearshoring and foreign direct investment
Over the past two decades, Mexico’s economic growth has lagged behind that of regional peers. This slower pace can be attributed to the implementation of macroeconomic policies prioritising stability. Discover more about new developments and growth projections in Mexico in this FDI report.