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.