Economic optimism dips, while company confidence holds steady – survey

Economic confidence among business leaders weakened in the second quarter of 2026 (Q2 2026), even as executives remained relatively upbeat about their own organisations’ prospects, according to the latest AICPA and CIMA Economic Outlook Survey.

The survey, conducted from 5–27 May 2026, drew 212 responses from certified public accountants (CPAs) and Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMAs) in senior positions.

According to the survey, US economic optimism dropped to 32%, down from 39% in Q1, while global economic optimism fell to 19%.

Respondents cited persistent inflation, higher energy prices and geopolitical tensions as key factors weighing on sentiment.

Some 49% of executives reported optimism about their own organisations’ outlook, signalling resilience in business expectations despite the softer macroeconomic view.

AICPA business engagement and growth executive vice-president Tom Hood said: “Shifts in executive concerns underscore this environment. Cost pressures have reasserted themselves.”

The survey indicated that cost issues have moved back to the forefront, while employee and benefit expenses again featured as a primary concern, alongside inflation and rising costs for materials, supplies and equipment.

It also highlighted that the domestic economic conditions have eased slightly as a top concern and attention on domestic political leadership has also moderated.

However, the availability of skilled talent remained a steady challenge, while energy costs have emerged more clearly as a growing worry.

Cybersecurity continued to gain prominence as a risk area, while regulatory pressures edged down.

Global economic conditions, after receding as a concern in recent quarters, reappeared as a notable issue for executives.

Domestic economic conditions still led the list of concerns, even as inflation fears retreated from earlier peaks. At the same time, cost pressures from labour and materials intensified.

Growth plans remained broadly intact. According to the survey, 54% of executives expect their organisations to expand over the next 12 months.

Hiring intentions were largely stable. Talent gaps persisted, but fewer leaders reported hesitancy to hire, and more said they were proceeding with recruitment, despite a modest increase in those who reported having excess staff.

In the latest survey, 51% of respondents said the economy is already in a recession or will be by the end of 2026, up from 36% in the prior quarter.

“Economic optimism dips, while company confidence holds steady – survey” was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand.