SMB CEO Confidence Falls 1.7 Points to 87.2 as Iran War Uncertainty Cools 2026 Outlook
Updated
Updated · CPAPracticeAdvisor.com · Jun 1
SMB CEO Confidence Falls 1.7 Points to 87.2 as Iran War Uncertainty Cools 2026 Outlook
2 articles · Updated · CPAPracticeAdvisor.com · Jun 1
Vistage’s SMB CEO Confidence Index slipped 1.7 points in Q1 2026 to 87.2, ending a three-quarter rise but remaining above its three-year average.
The drop was tied to the unanticipated Iran war and tariff uncertainty, which Vistage said stalled decisions and squeezed margins, pulling down revenue, profit and hiring expectations.
Only 27% of CEOs now expect U.S. economic conditions to improve, while 65% foresee higher sales, 51% higher profitability and 51% higher headcount—each down from Q4 2025.
Pricing and investment plans were more mixed: 45% expect to raise prices, 50% see prices unchanged, and 38% plan to increase fixed investment over the next 12 months.
ITR Economics still expects 2026 to outperform 2025 with mild growth and easing uncertainty, though it warned economic softness is likely in 2027.