What is Global Business Optimism Insights (GBOI)?
This report is a comprehensive exploration of business optimism worldwide. It delves into the aspirations and sentiments of business leaders to bring you a holistic perspective on the economic landscape.
Key Indices
What Makes Our GBOI Unique?
-
Consistent sample across the five indices; consistency in model and methodology across countries; availability of five indices from a single source
-
Survey of ~ 10,000 businesses across 32 economies, 17 sectors, and 3 business sizes
-
GBOl is an essential tool for guiding strategic decisions
-
The indices cater to a broad range of executives, including CEOs, CFOs, ClOs, CPOs, CMOs and CSOs
-
The survey captures data at a sector level and covers thematic topics
-
Unique offering for ESG index
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.
Download Global Business Optimism Insights Report
Stay ahead of the curve, anticipate market shifts, and position your business for success with our comprehensive quarterly insights.
