The Iowa Business Council’s latest survey shows a positive outlook for sales, capital spending and employment over the next six months.
The survey rates those factors on a 100-point scale. IBC President Joe Murphy says the latest figures are more than two points higher than the fourth quarter of 2025 and nearly five points above the historical average of 60.
Murphy says the outlook is driven by sales expectations, which surged nearly eight points to more than 73 — a level not seen since 2018.
The Iowa Business Council is a nonprofit organization whose 22 members are top decision-makers for major Iowa employers.
