Provident Bank Annual Economic Outlook Survey: Business Owners Shift from Passive Optimism in 2025 to Active Investment in 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Provident Bank (PFS) released its 2026 Economic Outlook Survey of 1,000 U.S. business owners and senior executives (companies >$1M revenue).

Key findings: 70% plan higher capital expenditures in 2026, with “significant increase” plans rising to 19%. 57% plan to increase hiring and 58% are using or plan to adopt AI (up from 41%). Inflation remains the top concern at 49%, while political/policy uncertainty rose to 37%. Younger owners show stronger optimism and expansion intent.

Positive

• AI adoption rises to 58% from 41%
• Hiring plans at 57% of businesses
• Significant capex intent increases to 19% (from 11%)

Negative

• Inflation remains top concern at 49%
• Political/policy uncertainty increases to 37%

Findings reveal businesses are poised to accelerate, with significant projected increases in capital spending, hiring, and AI adoption

ISELIN, N.J., Jan. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Provident Bank, a leading New Jersey-based financial institution, announced today the results of its annual Economic Outlook Survey. The findings signal a decisive shift in business sentiment. While business owners remain mindful of inflation and trade tensions, the "wait and see" period of 2025 has ended, replaced by active expansion and investment for 2026.

The survey found that business owners are looking past the headlines, with over 50% believing the U.S. economy will be in a better position this year and over 60% expecting their own business to be in better shape. This confidence is translating into tangible growth strategies.

"This year’s data shows a clear transition from the passive optimism we saw last year to active investment this year," said Anthony Labozzetta, President and CEO, Provident Bank. "Business owners are no longer just hopeful about the future; they are funding it. We are seeing an uptick in plans for capital expenditures, hiring, and technology adoption, signaling that companies are positioning themselves to accelerate in 2026."

The survey data highlights include:

• Investment Spikes: 70% of businesses plan to increase capital expenditures in 2026, up from 68% last year. Most notably, high-conviction spending is on the rise, with the number of businesses planning a "significant increase" in spending jumping from 11% last year to 19% this year.
• Generational Divide: Younger leaders are driving the nation’s optimism, with 44% of Gen Z owners expecting their business to be in "much better shape" next year, compared to just 14.5% of Boomers. This divide extends to strategy: while Gen Z and Millennials are focused on aggressive expansion and navigating global trade tensions, Gen X and Boomers remain the stabilizing force, prioritizing operational efficiency and cost containment in the face of inflation.
• Hiring Heats Up: The workforce is set for expansion, with 57% of businesses planning to increase hiring, up from 53% last year. Similar to spending, hiring plans have more than doubled, with 17% of owners planning a "significant increase" in staff, compared to 8% a year ago.
• AI Becomes Standard: Engagement with AI has surged, with 58% of businesses either already using or planning to adopt AI tools in 2026, a sharp increase from 41% in last year’s survey.

While the outlook is positive, business leaders remain transparent about the challenges they face. Inflation remains the top concern for business owners, though the intensity of that concern has cooled, dropping from 60% last year to 49% this year. Meanwhile, uncertainty regarding trade and policy has increased, with 37% of respondents citing political and policy uncertainty as a key challenge, up from 29% in 2025.

"Despite the headwinds of inflation and uncertainty, the dominant story for 2026 will be resilience and action," added Mr. Labozzetta. "Businesses are adapting, modernizing, and expanding, and Provident Bank is committed to serving as a key partner to business owners as they strategize on what is needed to leverage this momentum."

The survey was conducted by Pollfish, a market research provider, on behalf of Provident Bank. The findings are based on responses from 1,000 business owners and senior executives in the U.S. working for companies with over $1M in annual revenue. To access the full findings, please contact Vested directly: providentbank@fullyvested.com.

About Provident Bank
Founded in Jersey City in 1839, Provident Bank is the oldest community-focused financial institution based in New Jersey and is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS). With assets of $24.83 billion as of September 30, 2025, Provident Bank offers a wide range of customized financial solutions for businesses and consumers with an exceptional customer experience delivered through its convenient network of more than 140 branches across New Jersey and parts of New York and Pennsylvania, via mobile and online banking, and from its customer contact center. The bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc. To learn more about Provident Bank, go to www.provident.bank or call our customer contact center at 800.448.7768.

Media Contact:
Keith Buscio, First Vice President, Director of Public Relations
(732) 590-9407
Keith.Buscio@provident.bank

FAQ

What did Provident Bank's 2026 Economic Outlook Survey find about AI adoption for PFS investors?

The survey found 58% of businesses are already using or plan to adopt AI tools in 2026, up from 41% last year.

How many businesses in the Provident Bank survey plan to increase hiring in 2026 (PFS)?

The survey reports 57% of businesses plan to increase hiring in 2026, with 17% planning a significant staff increase.

What capital expenditure trends did Provident Bank report for 2026 for PFS stakeholders?

The survey shows 70% of businesses plan to raise capital expenditures in 2026 and 19% expect a significant increase versus 11% last year.

How did inflation concerns change in Provident Bank's 2026 survey relevant to PFS investors?

Inflation concern cooled to 49% of respondents, down from 60% in last year’s survey.

Which demographic showed the strongest optimism in Provident Bank's 2026 survey (PFS)?

Gen Z owners reported the highest optimism, with 44% expecting their business to be in much better shape next year versus 14.5% of Boomers.