Market Update: We break down the business implications, market impact, and expert insights related to Market Update: Study: Businesses leaders more optimistic about U.S. economy, still have concerns – Full Analysis.
Compared to past years, business leaders are more optimistic about the U.S. economy and their own financial outlook but still have concerns, according to Huntington National Bank’s annual study of small- to mid-sized businesses.
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The 2026 Beyond Business Report focuses on financial decision-makers’ business sentiment and market conditions at companies with $1 million to $499.9 million in annual sales.
“Every day, business owners make decisions that go far beyond the balance sheet — decisions about their people, their legacy and the long-term value of what they’ve worked to build,” Melissa Holding, Huntington wealth management director, said. “The Beyond Business Report reflects the real pressures and opportunities business owners are navigating and is one of the important ways we provide trusted insight and guidance to help businesses move forward with confidence.”
Nearly all participants cited rising costs and wage pressure as their top concern, and 87 percent said cybersecurity and fraud risks are major threats.
By 2030, 54 percent of businesses anticipate an ownership change yet only 45 percent have a formal succession or exit plan. The top reason, at 82 percent, for a future sale or transfer was the owner’s retirement, a 7 percent from 2024.
Slightly more than 25 percent of businesses lack a primary business adviser.