The 2026 Commercial and Industry Outlook 

Gain a clearer view of the forces shaping finance, capital, and strategy across 11 key areas with our second annual economic and trends forecast.

An economic and trends forecast to help you prepare for what lies ahead

In 2026, leaders continue to face a market defined by complexity and change. Global trade uncertainty, cost pressures, and shifting monetary policy are forcing businesses to recalibrate strategies and priorities more quickly than in years past.

Huntington Commercial Bank’s second annual Commercial and Industry Outlook Report, created in partnership with Capstone Partners, delivers data-backed insights and actionable guidance on the topics that matter most to help you turn volatility into opportunity.

Inside this report

Where the economy is headed

A read on Fed policy, monetary signals, and macroeconomic signals shaping how you plan.

Managing rates, currency, and commodity exposure

Guidance on hedging strategies, foreign exchange movements, and commodity price swings.

Assessing capital and pursuing deals

Perspective on M&A, equity capital markets, and debt to inform your financing and growth decisions.

Optimizing assets and payments

Where equipment finance and merchant services are moving, and what it means for your business.

Protecting value and planning transitions

Insights into risk management and financial advisory support for businesses weighing restructuring or a change in ownership.

Bring the year ahead into sharper focus

Designed for decision-makers navigating capital strategy, risk, and opportunity.

This outlook report offers actionable insights backed by research, shaped by industry context, and focused on helping leaders make faster, more confident decisions.

Download the Report

Featured insights with industry expertise

Tap into insights designed to help you navigate today’s decisions and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Market Trends & Research

Flattening K-shape: The forces reshaping consumer behavior trends in 2026

The K-shaped consumer split that defined 2022-24 has flattened, but a new set of pressures is reshaping demand. This commentary breaks down what changed, what's next, and how middle market leaders can position their businesses to respond.

Read More

Treasury Management & Payments

Unpacking the trends behind the digital payment revolution

Download this white paper for key consumer trends behind the shift to digital payments and what it means for business strategy, customer retention, and operational efficiencies.

Read More

Treasury Management & Payments

A CFO’s guide to ERP transitions

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) transitions often fall short when finance, treasury, and operational needs are defined too late. This guide helps finance leaders prepare earlier, ask better questions, and use the transition to improve how work gets done across the enterprise.

Read More

The information provided in this document is intended solely for general informational purposes and is provided with the understanding that neither Huntington, its affiliates nor any other party is engaging in rendering financial, legal, technical or other professional advice or services, or endorsing any third-party product or service. Any use of this information should be done only in consultation with a qualified and licensed professional who can take into account all relevant factors and desired outcomes in the context of the facts surrounding your particular circumstances. The information in this document was developed with reasonable care and attention. However, it is possible that some of the information is incomplete, incorrect, or inapplicable to particular circumstances or conditions. NEITHER HUNTINGTON NOR ITS AFFILIATES SHALL HAVE LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS OR EXPENSES (DIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR OTHERWISE) RESULTING FROM USING, RELYING ON OR ACTING UPON INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT EVEN IF HUNTINGTON AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF OR FORESEEN THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS OR EXPENSES.

Third-party product, service and business names are trademarks/service marks of their respective owners.