JUNE 2026 INDUSTRY NEWS AND TRENDS
SURVEY: CFO optimism faltered in Q1
A recent survey of 530 CFOs found that optimism about the overall U.S. economy flagged slightly in the first quarter of 2026. The survey shows that, compared to the previous quarter, CFOs are less concerned about tariffs and trade policy, but more concerned about inflation, geopolitical risk, and non-labor costs.
Approximately two-thirds of CFOs indicated that energy prices have increased unit costs, but only one-third have raised product prices to pass those costs on to customers. A Fed economist warned that this number is likely to rise steeply if oil prices remain elevated.
SURVEY: Banks describe a tougher business financing environment
The latest Survey on Bank Lending Practices (SLOOS), published by the Fed in April 2026, suggests that business financing is becoming tougher to access. Banks have tightened lending standards for commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, even as demand for this type of financing has held steady.
The survey also indicated that banks have tightened standards that apply to non-traditional lenders (non-depository financial institutions) by imposing higher premiums on riskier loans, stricter loan covenants, shorter maximum maturities, and lower maximum credit line sizes.
Nearly $2 billion in COVID loans remains outstanding
A report published this month by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that 30% of the more than $16 billion in emergency loans to small and midsized businesses remains unpaid. Of these unpaid loans, 16% were written off or sold to lenders at a loss, and the remainder—worth approximately $2 billion—is still outstanding.
About 70% of borrowers with loans still outstanding were unable to pay the remaining principal, or “balloon payment,” on time. The GAO suggests that elevated interest rates contributed to the high rates of non-payment, and loan modifications have been approved to ease the repayment process.
Optimism picks up for small businesses
Survey data collected in June 2026 indicates that small business optimism is strong and rising. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), optimism among small businesses rose 2.1 points in June to reach 97.4, driven in large part by substantially improved expectations for better business conditions and real sales expectations. The survey also indicates that 20% of respondents plan to make capital outlays in the next six months.
