Business

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

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

articleProvident Financial Services, IncJanuary 6, 20264/company/provident-financial-services-inc/news/provident-bank-annual-economic-outlook-survey-business-owners-shift-from-passive-optimism-in-2025-to-active-investment-in-2026
Provident Bank Annual Economic Outlook Survey: Business Owners Shift from Passive Optimism in 2025 to Active Investment in 2026

About this update from Provident Financial Services, Inc

[{"type":"image","alt":"Provident Bank","displaySize":"","headline":null,"caption":"Provident Bank","className":"","disableSlideshowImg":false,"size":{"original":{"width":300,"height":61,"url":"https://media.zenfs.com/en/globenewswire.com/7d140b14d18024413e282ce8c5c5c445"},"resized":{"url":"https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wzSML_KlQWTpL0RZnEWl_w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTQyMDtoPTg1O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/globenewswire.com/7d140b14d18024413e282ce8c5c5c445","width":300,"height":61}},"lazy":false},{"type":"text","content":"Findings reveal businesses are poised to accelerate, with significant projected increases in capital spending, hiring, and AI adoption","length":134,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"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.","length":419,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"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.","length":278,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""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."","length":449,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"The survey data highlights include:","length":35,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"list","items":[{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"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 incre...

More updates from Provident Financial Services, Inc

Provident Bankbusinessfinancial institution