Data Divergence

For the first time in two years, CEO sentiment has turned positive. Moreover, it is up from levels always previously associated with recessions. Great news. Unfortunately, the percentage of firms in consumer-facing sectors mentioning weak demand is at the third highest level in 20 years, a level slightly below what it was at during the 2020 Covid recession and the 08/09 Housing Bust recession. Hopefully the CEOs are right.