PwC recently released the latest results of its CEO Confidence Tracker, capturing insights from top business leaders nationwide following the 2026 Budget. The survey, conducted among around 30 CEOs, offered an early glimpse into how leaders are responding to the 2026 Budget and planning for the year ahead.
The 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.
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.
In the context of the recent measures announced during the October 27 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.
