Columbia Bank survey shows 63% of US small, midsize businesses prioritize investment over cost cuts in next 12 months

• Columbia Banking System released its 2026 Business Barometer showing small and midsize U.S. firms leaning toward growth investment despite near-term volatility.
• Survey of 1,186 businesses found 63% plan to prioritize investment over cost-cutting in the next 12 months.
• Near-term caution remains, with 59% delaying major decisions for at least six months amid tariff, inflation, energy-cost uncertainty.
• AI drove optimism: 96% expect productivity gains; 70% expect to borrow to fund expansion; 51% expect to increase headcount.
• Fraud losses were widespread, with 70% reporting financial loss; 43% of small firms lost USD 5,000-100,000; 22% of middle market firms lost over USD 50,000.

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. Columbia Banking System Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief via PR Newswire (Ref. ID: 202606250900PR_NEWS_USPR_____SF91495) on June 25, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.