Dun & Bradstreet’s survey of ~10,000 business leaders around the world reveals a 3.5% rebound in the Global Business Optimism Index for Q1 2026 after four consecutive quarters of decline.
Increasing clarity on tariff scenarios, stronger supply chain conditions, and refined financial planning are fueling a more positive outlook.
Businesses are targeting tech-enabled, productivity-enhancing capital expenditure, drawing on internal cash flows rather than external borrowing.
After a year marked by economic uncertainty, global business optimism is on the rise for Q1 2026. Improving expectations for export orders, supply chain operations, and financial planning indicate businesses are preparing for the quarter with more confidence. Services and small businesses are leading the recovery, while large businesses and a few economies remain cautious.
In the United States, businesses’ overall confidence remains flat, with inflation concerns weighing heavily as 35.4% of U.S. respondents cite inflation as their top risk for 2026. Sector-wise, global optimism is strongest in consumer-facing industries such as food manufacturing, textiles, and wholesale and retail trade.
Looking ahead, growth priorities center on technology and efficiency. Over 60% of respondents see technological innovation as the key driver for 2026, reinforcing a technology-led investment cycle focused on artificial intelligence-driven efficiency and automation.
This momentum is anchored by clearer policy paths, steadier financing, and supply chain normalization.
index | Index design | Index level | index movement | Index interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Global Business Optimism Insights | economic growth rate | 108 | +3.5% | Dun & Bradstreet Global Business Supply Chain Continuity Index monitors the efficiency of suppliers' deliveries in terms of both time and cost, in addition to supplier concentration. The index enables businesses to optimize their supply chain management by identifying potential bottlenecks, streamlining operations, and mitigating risks. |
Global Business Supply Chain Continuity Index | Supply chain delivery efficiency and cost | 106 | +6.6% | Dun & Bradstreet Global Business Supply Chain Continuity Index monitors the efficiency of suppliers' deliveries in terms of both time and cost, in addition to supplier concentration. The index enables businesses to optimize their supply chain management by identifying potential bottlenecks, streamlining operations, and mitigating risks. |
Global Business Financial Confidence Index | corporate bankruptcy | 117 | +6.2% | Dun & Bradstreet Global Business Financial Confidence Index serves as an early warning signal for bankruptcies, enabling stakeholders to anticipate financial distress in various sectors of the economy. |
Global Business Investment Confidence Index | business investment | 114 | +6.2% | Dun & Bradstreet Global Business Investment Confidence Index provides vital cues about investment rates across different industries and regions. By tracking this index, stakeholders can gain insights on the sentiments and willingness of businesses to invest in new projects, expand operations, and drive growth. |
Global Business ESG Index | ESG initiatives and actions | 115 | +5.1% | Dun & Bradstreet Global Business ESG Index provides a comprehensive assessment of businesses' performance in implementing ESG initiatives. By tracking the ESG index, investors, regulators, and the public can evaluate the sustainability efforts of organizations, encourage responsible business practices, and promote transparency and accountability. |
