As the confetti settles and 2025 begins, individuals and companies alike are filled with hope for a new year.

While the stock market often commands attention with its volatile highs and lows, the bond market quietly wields unparalleled influence over the global economy.

See Marc Emmer’s annual Vistage Trends Webinar covering the economy, geopolitical risks, technology and AI, and social and employment trends.

To project into the future, we must first understand the past. Much of the last year’s narrative has been about the Federal Reserve trying to cool inflation. Its root cause was certainly formulaic — part short-term reaction to supply chain shocks rooted in the pandemic, and some in the form of fiscal stimulus.

After the most contentious U.S. election of our lifetime, we find ourselves in familiar territory—pundits scratching their heads, polls falling short, and business leaders wondering what it all means.

According to a recent PwC study, 64% of chief executives report their companies have not completed an acquisition in the last three years, but 60% plan to complete one in the next three. There is tremendous pent-up demand in mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

This is the second installment of an annual 4-part series on the trends impacting small and midsize businesses. Here, we study social and workplace trends for 2025.

Entering 2025, small and midsize businesses face an uncertain future. To help CEOs navigate these challenges, Vistage speaker and strategy expert Marc Emmer will recap highlights from his immensely popular 2025 Business Trends series.

Entering 2025, small and midsize businesses face an uncertain future. To help CEOs navigate these challenges, Vistage speaker and strategy expert Marc Emmer will recap highlights from his immensely popular 2025 Business Trends series.