What Businesses Are Saying: Surprisingly Solid Demand but Signs of Strain Persist

Jul 01, 2026

Economic sensing provides us with real-time information on business and consumer decisions, helping us keep a pulse on the economy. Our regional executives had dozens of conversations with businesses from early May to early June.

Some of the key takeaways were: 

Consumer demand held up broadly, along with concerns over its sustainability as some signs of strain started to gradually emerge. 

The labor market remained steady with few signs of imminent AI-related labor cuts. 

Many firms noted they were passing on some costs to consumers, but due to limited pricing power even those firms had to absorb a portion in their margins or cut costs. 

Read more here.