CEO Confidence tracker 2025

PwC Malta’s CEO Confidence Tracker

November 2025

Top local CEOs generally upbeat, but not betting on 2026 Budget

Following the Malta Budget 2026, we are releasing the latest results of the CEO Confidence Tracker, capturing insights from top business leaders nationwide. This survey, which collected replies from around 30 CEOs, offers an early glimpse into how leaders are responding to the 2026 Budget and planning for the year ahead.

Business performance

Our latest tracker results show business performance is thriving. 69% of CEOs reported stronger performance in the recent quarter compared to the previous one, with 15% seeing stable results and another 15% noting a decline.

This positive trend continues the momentum seen in earlier Tracker rounds, where performance was also high. In line with June's edition, sentiment remains consistent, echoing national economic indicators that point to steady business activity and resilience across key sectors. 

An outlook on the economy

Looking forward, business leaders are optimistic, with 92% expecting conditions to remain stable or improve over the next six months. This reflects the cautious yet confident tone from the previous edition, despite a challenging global economic landscape marked by trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty.

This optimism aligns with macro-economic forecasts showing steady GDP growth for Malta, low unemployment, and the continued performance of domestic drivers like the property market, tourism and domestic service-sector demand.

More CEOs are unenthusiastic about the 2026 budget measures

In the context of the recent measures announced during the 27 October Budget Speech, CEOs were asked about the anticipated business impact of the 2026 Budget. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of leaders shared that the 2026 budget measures are expected to have minimal impact on their operations. This is a notable rise from the 2024 survey, where 64% felt the same about the 2025 measures. This year-on-year change highlights a growing belief among CEOs that budget measures are not significantly altering their business landscape.

Contact us

Lucienne Pace Ross

Lucienne Pace Ross

Territory Senior Partner, PwC Malta

Tel: +356 2564 7293

Michael Formosa

Michael Formosa

Assurance Partner, PwC Malta

Tel: +356 2124 7000

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