U.S. Businesses Lean Into Growth Despite Economic Volatility

The 2026 Columbia Bank Business Barometer reveals a pivot toward expansion, with 63% of firms moving away from austerity. This optimism is anchored in productivity gains, particularly through AI integration. An overwhelming 96% of surveyed executives expect AI to drive efficiency, while 89% anticipate a shift toward more specialized, high-skill roles. Despite these long-term growth targets, the immediate environment remains cautious. Leaders are currently managing a complex landscape where unpredictability in trade policy is proving more disruptive than the direct costs of tariffs themselves.

Security has emerged as a parallel priority, as 70% of respondents reported financial losses due to fraud in the past year. With middle-market companies reporting significant hits from vendor scams and phishing, cybersecurity now ranks among the top three investment areas. While firms are eager to scale their real estate footprints and digitize operations, the prevailing sentiment remains one of disciplined patience. According to Columbia Bank President Tory Nixon, while the appetite for growth is clear, leaders are carefully timing their capital deployments to offset near-term economic headwinds.