Economists: Colorado business leaders’ optimism climbs in early 2025

BOULDER — Confidence in the economy among Colorado business leaders rose to start the new year compared to both the first quarter of last year and the end of 2024. 

The University of Colorado Leeds Business Confidence Index for the first quarter of 2025 rose 3.3 points to a score of 50. An LBCI score — which is based on impressions of the state economy, national economy, industry sales, industry profits, industry hiring and capital expenditures — of 50 is neutral. 

“All components of the Leeds Business Confidence Index posted year-over-year and over-the-quarter gains ahead of Q1 2025,” the index report said. “The new presidential administration, tariffs, and interest rates were commonly cited as the primary reason for panelists’ responses.”

The score was based on responses from 184 panelists surveyed last month. 

“Business leaders expressed optimism about proposed regulatory and energy policy changes and concerns about tariffs, immigration policy, foreign policy, and health care policy changes,” the LBCI report said. 

This story will be updated Tuesday afternoon following a press conference with CU economists.

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