The return of Donald Trump to the US presidency is met with cautious optimism by some UK CEOs, though concerns about protectionism and environmental policy rollback persist. Geopolitical tensions may lead to diversified supply chains, with an emphasis on nearshoring and friend-shoring for critical components. The UK stock market, having faced challenges in 2024, may see increased dealmaking and listings in 2025. Consumer confidence remains a concern, with potential impacts on retail and hospitality sectors, although travel remains a priority for households.
Key takeaways:
- AI is expected to be a dominant theme in 2025, with significant advancements anticipated across various industries.
- British CEOs are hopeful for Labour government reforms to boost housing supply and support economic growth.
- Consumer confidence remains a concern due to rising business costs and slowing wage growth, although vacations remain a priority for households.
- 2025 could see breakthroughs in space mining and fusion energy, potentially disrupting resource and energy markets.