Japan, China and South Korea execs optimistic on economy in 2024

Corporate heads see strong growth despite weakness in China, poll shows

TOKYO -- More executives in Japan, China and South Korea expect the global economy to see moderate growth in 2024 than did last year, according to a joint survey of business leaders conducted by Nikkei, South Korea's Maeil Business Newspaper and China's Global Times.

Despite rising geopolitical risks, corporate leaders expect solid underlying growth. Even in China, where growth continues to slow, the proportion of respondents expecting rapid growth rose 12 points on the year to 67% -- the highest proportion among the three countries.

Buoyed by expectations for global economic growth, a plurality of corporate heads believe that the business environment will have improved slightly for their own companies a year on.

Close to half in all three countries said their planned capital investment spending in 2024 will "increase somewhat" or "greatly increase" from 2023 -- a sign of their positive attitudes.