5 Min Read
Middle Market Resilience: Entering 2026 With Cautious Optimism
Confidence in America’s middle market firms is rebounding after a period of uncertainty. The latest RSM Middle Market Business Index (MMBI) conducted by The Harris Poll in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, climbed to 131.5 in Q4 2025, a notable increase from 123.3 in the prior quarter. This renewed optimism is largely driven by strong revenue growth, although concerns about inflation and the wider economy remain.
- Sentiment on the overall economy is muted, with 46% of middle market leaders expecting it to improve and 32% to weaken in the first half of 2026.
- Internal optimism is higher, with over half (58%) of executives expecting a rise in revenues over this same period.
- Executives’ internal confidence is driving action, as 53% of firms plan to increase capital expenditures, a key indicator of investment in future growth.
Takeaway: The message for the year ahead is one of cautious optimism. While confident in their own ability to grow, leaders are still grappling with persistent external headwinds. With 71% paying higher prices for inputs, their success will depend on navigating these inflationary pressures while continuing to invest in their own performance.
The 2026 Marketing Shift: Back to Basics (But Smarter)
After years of chasing new platforms and shiny objects, marketers are predicting a return to fundamentals. In a recent Fast Company op-ed, the CEO of Madison Logic uses Harris Poll data to argue that marketers’ focus is swinging back to core marketing principles. But we aren’t returning to the Stone Age; in 2026, marketers will use AI technology to supercharge initiatives for even greater returns.
- 55% of marketing decision-makers anticipate AI will reshape both strategy development and execution.
- 45% believe AI-powered search and assistants will fundamentally alter brand discovery, creating a “zero-click” competitive landscape.
Takeaway: The brands who will win in 2026 will be those that use AI to enhance timeless fundamentals like brand trust, customer experience, and loyalty, making campaigns more impactful than ever before.
Why We Travel in 2026: Moments That Matter
Travel in 2026 is all about the experience. A new study from The Harris Poll and Marriott Bonvoy reveals a shift in consumer motivations, where Americans are intent on making meaningful memories.
- A values shift is underway, with 67% of Americans choosing to prioritize experiences such as travel over acquiring more material possessions.
- Recognizing the value in time away, 70% of Millennials say they would rather give up dining out for six months than sacrifice a planned vacation.
- The primary driver for travel is personal well-being, with 57% citing “rest and recharge” as the most meaningful benefit and 55% looking to spend quality time with loved ones.
Takeaway: Travel has shifted from a simple luxury to an essential tool for personal well-being and connecting with loved ones. Most Americans are now prioritizing these meaningful experiences over material possessions, treating travel as a non-negotiable part of a fulfilling life.
State of Maternal Health: Shining a Light on Women’s Care
In honor of Maternal Health Awareness Day on January 23rd, we are sharing the latest Harris Poll data on the State of Maternal Health. This third annual report exposes that the health care system often prioritizes its own convenience over mothers’ health, leaving many women feeling unheard and unsupported.
- 72% of women feel the healthcare system is designed more for the provider’s convenience than the patient’s.
- Left to fend for themselves, 62% of women feel they must fight for the medical care they need.
- Four in 10 (40%) women feel like “just another number” at their OBGYN/midwife’s office. ‘
- Almost three-quarters (72%) of younger women (ages 18-44) who are/have been pregnant experienced barriers to accessing care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Takeaway: The data paints a clear picture: a profound restructuring is needed to provide all mothers with patient-centered care, comprehensive education, and robust mental health support.
Beyond the Bulb: Light as Luxury
In luxury home design, light is no longer just a utility, it’s a core feature that defines the space. A new study from The Harris Poll and Lutron reveals that homeowners and designers now see sophisticated lighting as essential for creating ambiance, promoting well-being, and preserving a home’s value.
- Light is now a top client priority, with 94% of designers reporting that their clients view it as a highly important element of their home.
- It’s also a financial matter, as nearly half of designers (47%) warn that poor lighting can devalue a home’s architecture and high-end finishes.
- Homeowners see a link between lighting and lifestyle, with many recognizing its wellness benefits (44%).
Takeaway: The conversation has shifted. Lighting is no longer a decorative afterthought but a foundational pillar of modern design that enhances both the value of a home and the well-being of those who live in it.
