State of Business Sentiment: 2026 Beyond Business Report Midyear Update

Business leaders are balancing a resilient economy against rising costs, global uncertainty and a more cautious outlook. Explore the trends shaping business sentiment and the decisions organizations are making in response.

A midyear look at what’s influencing business decisions

The first half of 2026 brought a shift in business sentiment. While the U.S. economy has remained relatively resilient, business leaders are becoming more wary as they balance persistent inflation, volatile energy prices and geopolitical concerns stemming from the Middle East.

This report combines findings from Barlow Research Associates, Inc. Business Sentiment Tracking Study with economic insights from the Huntington Bank Chief Investment Office to help business leaders better understand the current landscape and prepare for what’s ahead.

What’s influencing business sentiment in 2026?

Inside this report, you’ll learn:

Business confidence becomes more measured

Sentiment weakened across all business segments surveyed as leaders weigh rising costs, global developments and concerns about the economic outlook. While confidence has softened, businesses continue to adapt to evolving conditions and focus on planning priorities.

Global events are affecting local businesses

Geopolitical developments, tariffs and volatility in the energy markets are influencing business decisions in tangible ways. Many companies report higher operating costs and greater uncertainty as they evaluate future plans and pricing decisions.

Customers are becoming more price sensitive

Nearly seven in ten businesses report that customers are more price sensitive than they were a year ago. As a result, many companies are balancing rising expenses against customer expectations and pricing decisions.

Efficiency is the new expansion

Across all business segments, leaders identified technology implementation such as artificial intelligence (AI) adaption and process improvements as leading opportunities to strengthen performance.

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