Data and analytics company GlobalData has released its latest report, Company Filings Analytics Trends & Signals – Q1 2024. The report found that geopolitical risks, AI, and cybersecurity were trending topics during the first quarter. Industries such as pharma, packaging, food service, and construction saw sentiment improvements. Conversely, industries such as technology, consumer, insurance, agriculture, and forestry witnessed a decline.
Overall, global business sentiment declined 2% during the first quarter of 2024, based on a thorough analysis of annual and quarterly reports alongside earnings call transcripts. Market and supply chain risks exacerbated macro-economic pressures, while extended conflicts like the Russian-Ukraine war and the Red Sea crisis heightened geopolitical uncertainties, impacting global supply chains. Simultaneously, discussions on geopolitical risks, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity emerged as the trending topics.
“Global disruptions from geopolitical conflicts like the Red Sea crisis, Panama Canal drought, and South China Sea tensions affected supply chains,” said GlobalData’s Misa Singh. Europe and the Middle East faced heightened supply chain risks, notably in Israel, where sentiment declined significantly due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Companies are actively monitoring and managing the operations to minimize any impact arising from these developments.”
“In terms of themes, cybersecurity was a key focus area with enhanced mentions and sentiment, as companies prioritized risk management strategies and integration of AI tools for operational efficiencies, alongside discussions on generative AI, language models, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance,” he added.
