The vast majority of U.S. chief executives expect an economic recession and inflation in the United States over the next 12 to 18 months, a survey by the Conference Board research firm showed.

Some 98% of chief executive officers of companies located in the United States are preparing for the global economic recession. The share of pessimistic CEOs among European companies is even higher — 99%. Only 5% of respondents believe the economy will improve over the next six months.

CEOs are preparing for an almost inevitable global economic recession,” said Roger Ferguson, a member of the Conference Board and former deputy head of the Federal Reserve. — Most believe the U.S. recession will be short and mild, but about 70% of respondents believe the European Union is in for a deep recession that will have a severe impact on the rest of the world.”

More than a third (34%) of respondents consider political instability as the main problem of the world economy. 17% consider the energy crisis and 15% consider military operations in Ukraine.

Earlier we reported on the problems of the foreign trade deficit in the euro area.