Customers of Accenture (ticker: ACN-US), a global provider of executive IT services, reduced their demand for advisory services amid economic uncertainty, sending its shares plunging about 7 percent in early trading.。As a result, on March 21, Accenture cut its revenue forecast for fiscal 2024.。

The latest forecast says revenue growth for the full year is now expected to be in the range of 1% -3%, compared to the previous growth forecast of 2% -5%.。This adjustment reflects lower client spending on advisory services, particularly in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and parts of North America.。

Accenture has been responding to weak demand for its IT and advisory services, and high interest rates have affected industries that have benefited from high growth during the outbreak.。In response to market changes, the company has implemented a layoff plan。This year, Accenture expects to have 4.$500 million in costs related to firings, compared with $1.1 billion last year, when about 19,000 people, or 2 percent of its workforce, were laid off..5%。

Accenture CEO Julie Sweet said: "Customers have once again increased their spending constraints, including demand for our services, especially in EMEA and certain parts of North America.。"

Globally, growth in the IT consulting industry has slowed, with Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys, two of India's top IT consulting firms, also reporting poor quarterly results due to lower customer spending.。

Analysts at Baird Equity noted that industry growth has slowed over the past six quarters and that Accenture "may take a few years" to return to organic growth in mid-to-high digits.。

Accenture also forecast third-quarter revenue at 162, according to the London Stock Exchange..500 million - 168.$500 million, slightly below market expectations of 170.100 million dollars。

Despite market challenges, Accenture earned $15.8 billion in the second quarter, slightly below the average analyst forecast.。In terms of earnings per share, on an adjusted basis, Accenture reached 2.$77 against market expectations of 2 per share.66美元。