26 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | JANUARY 12, 2026
HBJ 2026 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK SURVE Y
REMAIN STABLE DECREASE INCREASE
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS
FOR INFLATION IN 2026?
56.6%
11.6%
31.8%
OVER 4.1% BETWEEN 3.1%
TO 4%
BETWEEN 2.1%
TO 3%
2% OR BELOW
WHERE WILL THE FED FUNDS RATE
BE AT THE END OF 2026?
15%
64.3%
16.7%
4%
INCREASE 1
TO 10%
INCREASE 11
TO 20%
INCREASE
MORE THAN
20%
NO CHANGE DECREASE 1
TO 10%
DECREASE
MORE THAN
11%
HOW WILL YOUR FIRM'S HEALTHCARE
COSTS FARE IN 2026?
36.5%
42.4%
12.6%
9%
.4%
0%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
YES, DEFINITELY POSSIBLY — MILD
SLOWDOWN
NO, THE ECON-
OMY WILL KEEP
GROWING
NOT SURE
WILL THERE BE A U.S. RECESSION IN 2026?
12.3%
52.7%
27.7%
7.3%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
