The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) Q1 2026
Business leaders’ confidence was notably less pessimistic ahead of Q1, but still remained in negative territory. Respondents noted politics, tariffs, and uncertainty weighing on their outlook ahead of 2026. The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) increased 7.1 points from Q4 2025 to Q1 2026, rising from near-record lows. All six components of the index increased from Q4 to Q1, but all six components were down when compared to Q1 2025. The largest increases in the index were the national outlook and state outlook, while the highest index levels were recorded in sales and profits.Ìý
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