CONFIDENCE levels of CEOs at SA’s listed companies have plummeted to a seven-year low amid rising interest rates and concerns that the country’s credit rating will be downgraded on faltering economic growth.CEOs also see current economic conditions in the country and their ability to secure debt or equity capital as moderately worse compared to six months ago. Most are expecting growth in their industry and company, and planned levels of investment, to decrease slightly.The Merchantec CEO confidence index released on Wednesday, has fallen to 38.1 points in this quarter (January to March) — the lowest score recorded since the index’s inception in 2009 and the fifth consecutive quarter in which the confidence of CEOs has dropped."The foresight of a potential rating downgrade draws mainly from the lack of trust in leadership, current fiscal policies, overregulation and low growth prospects," Merchantec said. "CEOs indicate a common sentiment that SA’s political landscape is out of touc...
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