Principal Well-Being Index falls to 6.06 as macro pressures curb business optimism

• Principal Financial Group market sentiment gauge showed U.S. business optimism weakened in March as inflation pressure, global conflict, energy price swings, and financial-market volatility weighed on planning.
• Principal Financial Well-Being Index fell to 6.06 out of 10, down nearly 6% from January, reversing gains seen in second half of 2025.
• Concern levels rose for inflation (+7 points), global financial system stability (+6 points), recession risk (+8 points); 48% of employers flagged energy and fuel price volatility.
• Only 17% of employers viewed U.S. economy as growing, down 8 points from January, near record low for index history.
• Operational conditions stayed resilient despite softer readings: 54% reported improved financials versus a year earlier, down 6 points from January; staffing held up with 48% increasing headcount, 42% steady, 13% cutting.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Principal Financial Group Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief via Business Wire (Ref. ID: 20260506255158) on May 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.