FRB Richmond Speeches

CFO Survey: Outlook Improves Despite Tariff Concerns

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and Duke University's Fuqua School of Business released Q1 2026 CFO Survey results, showing improved economic outlook among financial decision-makers despite persistent tariff concerns. Survey of 473 CFOs conducted February 17 to March 5 found solid expectations for U.S. GDP growth and business revenue growth over the next 12 months, with tariffs and trade policy remaining the top concern for the fifth consecutive quarter.

Barkin: Economic Fog Deepens, AI Complicates Outlook

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Tom Barkin delivered a speech at East Tennessee State University describing the current economic outlook as foggy and deepening. He cited artificial intelligence capabilities and geopolitical uncertainty (Iran conflict) as compounding factors alongside traditional economic indicators. The speech noted healthy GDP growth at 2 percent, low unemployment around 4.4 percent, and inflation moderating toward the Fed's 2 percent target.

Barkin Speaking in Johnson City, Tennessee, March 27, 2026

Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin will speak to the Appalachian Highlands Economic Forum on March 27, 2026, in Johnson City, Tennessee. The speech is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. ET and will be posted on richmondfed.org. Topics include inflation and monetary policy. The event also includes a moderated Q&A.