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Good morning.
PwC released its annual survey of CEOs this morning, which showed a majority—53%—are expecting a growth slowdown this year. That’s the most pessimistic they’ve been in the eight years the consulting firm has been asking the question.
In addition to slowing growth, the global group of 1,581 global CEOs cited regulation, trade conflicts, and cybersecurity as top threats to their business.
Climate change didn’t make the top ten, but 24% of the CEOs said they are “extremely concerned” about climate change—up 25% from a year ago.
The U.S. and China are still competing neck and neck as the top territory for growth for CEOs. And nearly two thirds say they expect government to introduce regulation over content on the Internet.
Separately yesterday, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai called on the EU and the U.S. to take a coordinated approach to regulating A.I., adopting rules that balance “potential harms with social opportunities.”
More news below.
Alan Murray
@alansmurray
alan.murray@fortune.com
TOP NEWS
Virus impact
The novel coronavirus that is spreading in and around China—it just claimed a sixth life—has knocked stocks in mainland China and Hong Kong. Tourism and retail shares were particularly hard hit. The Hang Seng was down 2.8% (which was also partly down to Moody's downgrading Hong Kong's credit rating) and the Shanghai Composite fell 1.7%. Shares in Chinese drugmakers and face-mask manufacturers are up, though. Financial Times
Tesla shares
As Tesla shares surge, investor strategies are diverging bigtime: some are urgently buying in, but others continue to bet against the stock, with Tesla currently being one the market's biggest shorts. Both sides have their case to argue, but analysts say the stock could hit at least $600 this month—it was at $178 just seven months ago. Wall Street Journal
Facebook jobs
Facebook is adding a further 1,000 jobs in the U.K. this year, bringing the total to over 4,000. COO Sheryl Sandberg will announce the hiring spree today in London. A key focus here will apparently be the handling of toxic content on the platform—so lots of "artificial intelligence" jobs then. CNBC
Digital tax
President Trump's threat of sanctions against France is on hold for now, after the countries agreed to extend talks on the issue of digital taxation until next year. That means no French 3% levy on Big Tech revenues, and no counterstrike from the U.S. (a move that would have elicited a collective response from the EU). Deutsche Welle
AROUND THE WATER COOLER
Most admired
Fortune's rundown of the most admired companies is out—and Apple tops the rankings for a stunning 13th year in a row. Meanwhile Microsoft is in the top five for the first time in 15 years, seizing the number-three spot. Who's off the All-Star list? Boeing, Facebook and Samsung Electronics. Fortune
Thunberg in Davos
Greta Thunberg appeared at Davos this morning, addressing a packed room—though one that featured only a few fossil fuel executives. Her message? There's lots of talk but not enough being done practically to address the climate emergency. Thunberg: "Since last summer I have been repeating these numbers over and over again in every speech. I know you don’t want to talk about this. I assure you I will continue to repeat these numbers until you do." Bloomberg
Ghosn countered
Japan has hit back at Carlos Ghosn's accusations of "hostage justice," following the former Nissan chief's escape to Lebanon. The justice ministry published an FAQ defending its treatment of detainees and maintaining that its criminal justice system "does not force confessions by unduly holding suspects and defendants in custody." Reuters
Fertility business
Big bucks are starting to flow into the fertility industry, with investors drawn by high margins and increasing success rates. The industry is booming largely because women are choosing to have children later. But some medical insiders warn it's an under-regulated field, with some players overpromising the benefits they can provide. Fortune
This edition of CEO Daily was edited by David Meyer.
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