Businesses express widespread concern over proposed tariff hikes on sales and economic outlook

While overall sentiment has dipped to the lowest level since the 2016 elections, the near-term outlook remains largely in line with the longer-term post-recession norm, suggesting that business fundamentals remain largely unchanged.

Mid-sized companies remain upbeat about the near-term outlook according to our latest poll, suggesting further improvement in national economic performance over the remainder of 2018.

This quarter’s survey results suggest more small and mid-sized business plan to increase hiring, raise wages and invest in their operations. The high confidence is translating into positive economic momentum.

This quarter’s survey results suggest that mid-sized companies remain upbeat about the near-term outlook for their business and the economy, driven in part by tailwinds from federal tax reform legislation.

Small and mid-size business owners are optimistic about the economy, and their confidence appears to be triggering positive-yet-cautious steps forward to grow their operations and raise wages.

The results of M&T Bank's Q3 2017 Economic Outlook Survey show the hiring forecasts of large businesses have reached post-recession highs.

For the second time, M&T Bank conducted a survey of small and mid-sized business owners (those with annual sales of under $10 million) to gain a deeper analysis of their outlook for the overall economy and their own industry. The results suggest businesses are growing more optimistic about the economy.

The results of M&T Bank’s first quarter Economic Outlook Survey for 2017 suggests large businesses and commercial real estate enterprises are looking forward to potential changes in economic policy under the new administration.

The results of M&T Bank’s third quarter Economic Outlook Survey for 2016 suggests mid-sized companies are growing more worried about the economic outlook, but remain cautiously optimistic about their own business prospects.

The results of M&T Bank’s first quarter Economic Outlook Survey for 2016 shows mid-sized firms are concerned about financial volatility and signs of a weakening U.S. economy, but continue to hire, invest, and grow revenue at rates consistent with the expansion norm.

The results of M&T Bank’s third quarter Economic Outlook Survey for 2015 indicate most mid-sized businesses remain optimistic about growth, despite some concern surrounding an expected interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve.

The latest results for M&T Bank's first quarter Economic Outlook Survey for 2015 are generally positive and indicate that the economy should continue to expand at a brisk clip in 2015.

The latest Economic Outlook Survey feedback is broadly positive, suggesting conditions should continue to improve in the second half of 2014.

The results of M&T Bank's first quarter Economic Outlook Survey for 2014 shows executives of mid-sized businesses remain cautiously upbeat about the near-term outlook.

The results of M&T Bank's third quarter Economic Outlook Survey for 2013 shows the economy finally appears to have established some modest momentum.

The results of M&T Bank's first quarter Economic Outlook Survey for 2013 shows the U.S. economy stalled in the fourth quarter of 2012, with real GDP advancing at an anemic 0.1% annualized rate in Q4.