Business leaders cite economic downturn as greatest risk

An economic downturn ranked as the most commonly cited risk over the next two years by G20 business leaders, according to a World Economic Forum survey of 11,000 global business leaders.

The survey was conducted between April and August in partnership with Marsh McLennan and Zurich North America. G20 is an economic forum comprised of 19 countries and the European Union and African Union. Business leaders from members China and Russia did not participate in the survey.

In addition to ranking as the most commonly cited risk by survey participants, an economic downturn was also identified as the top risk in 13 of the G20 countries. 

Other identified top risks were inflation, labor and/or talent shortages, energy supply shortages and an erosion of social cohesion and wellbeing.