JPMorgan Survey Shows Rising Optimism Among Business Leaders

The beginning of 2026 shows encouraging indicators regarding economic sentiment. A recent survey reveals that 39% of business executives now hold an optimistic economic outlook, a rise from 32% in a mid-2025 poll.

This information comes from interviews with over 1,400 leaders from midsize companies in various sectors. JPMorgan has been running this annual survey for 15 years.

“Middle market business leaders are beginning 2026 with a renewed sense of optimism after navigating a year of heightened uncertainty,” stated Melissa Smith, co-head of commercial banking at JPMorgan.

The poll comes after a turbulent year for the U.S. economy. Stock markets plunged in April following tariff threats from President Donald Trump, but later recovered strongly to close 2025 at historic peaks. Conditions improved further in December when the Federal Reserve implemented its third interest rate cut of the year.

Not all findings are positive, however. Many perceive a , where the rich accumulate more wealth while most Americans struggle with elevated expenses and rising joblessness.

Even with 2025’s instability, executives expressed strong confidence in their own firms’ prospects for 2026. 71% are optimistic about their company’s performance in the coming year, and 64% anticipate increased profits.

Survey respondents plan to focus on innovation to boost revenue. 58% of leaders intend to launch new products or services, up from 53% the previous year.

This confidence emerges despite public concerns in 2025 about a potential , similar to the early-2000s dot-com collapse, that might spark a downturn or recession. Apprehension also exists that , if it has not occurred already.

Most leaders in the JPMorgan survey, however, do not harbor these worries. 51% of those interviewed do not foresee a recession, whereas just 26% expect one or think the U.S. is already in a recession. Additionally, a majority do not believe AI will impact their staffing levels, with 60% stating AI will not change their employee count.

Midsize company leaders appear assured even amid ongoing uncertainty.

“Business leaders have had to navigate a rapidly changing and increasingly complex landscape over the past 12 months, but they have shown their resilience and are putting plans back in motion,” Smith added.