How do entrepreneurs with $19B revenues see the near-term future?

Millions of investors rely on the success of businesses to drive portfolio returns. But what’s on the mind of those whose decisions can change the fortunes of equities, corporate bonds, and so much more?

UBS has been finding out with a deep dive into how entrepreneurs are navigating the challenging economic environment and uncertainties, and seizing on the opportunities of new markets, technologies, and trends.

The wealth manager polled 156 of its entrepreneur clients in 26 markets who control companies with a combined $19.1 billion in annual revenues, with an average of $127 million.

The US-segmented data shows that 71% of respondents are optimistic about the future of their industries over the next 12 months. This is well above the 61% global average for the research.

However, US entrepreneurs cite higher taxes (60%), political instability/uncertainty (49%) and higher interest rates (46%) as their main concerns for their industries over the next 12 months.

Almost half of US entrepreneurs said they expect a typical company in their space to boost investments over the next 12 months, rising to 87% over the next five years.

The optimistic tone suggests good news for employment in the US with three quarters of respondents expecting typical businesses in their industry to invest in personnel in the next 12 months, whether that’s hiring, training, or incentives.

Around half are anticipating an uptick in strategic acquisitions or partnerships, and a similar share think there will be investment in upgrading machinery or equipment.

Artificial intelligence remains high on the agenda for business owners with almost six in ten saying it is the top commercial opportunity for their industry in the next 12 months, with most expecting the technology to drive productivity and customer service/experience over the next five years.

“We believe it is crucial to explore what some of the world’s top entrepreneurs are thinking about and preparing for as we approach the midpoint of a decade that has generated both solid economic growth and technological breakthroughs but also a global pandemic and geopolitical conflicts,” said Benjamin Cavalli, head of Strategic Clients at UBS Global Wealth Management.