# US and Australian economic sentiment decline

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-and-australian-economic-sentiment-decline
> Updated: 2026-09-08T08:07:33.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

Economic sentiment among businesses and lenders in the United States has shown signs of weakening and caution. In early September 2026, surveys indicated that US lenders were becoming increasingly wary due to geopolitical instability, recession risks, and policy uncertainty. While some optimism regarding the US economy saw a slight rebound, business executives began moderating their spending and adopting more disciplined approaches to capital investments and expansion.

By mid-September, further data reflected a decline in sentiment. In the United States, the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell to 98.7, dropping below previous readings and economist forecasts. This trend of weakening sentiment was also observed in Australia, where the NAB Business Conditions Index entered negative territory for the first time in six years, driven largely by a significant squeeze on profitability.

Additional data from early September highlighted a decline in the US CEO Confidence Index. In September, CEOs rated current business conditions at 5.6 out of 10, representing a 6 percent drop from August. This decline was attributed to increased caution, with some leaders citing the impact of Middle East conflicts on consumer spending. While the 12-month outlook remained slightly more optimistic than current assessments, middle-market companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $24.9 million expressed higher levels of concern regarding future deterioration.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Global business confidence faces pressure amid austerity and economic caution

Business confidence is declining in South Africa due to government austerity and in the United States as CEOs report cooling economic conditions and increased caution.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-business-confidence-faces-pressure-amid-austerity-and-economic-caution

### 2026-09-08: Business sentiment declines in Australia and the United States

Business optimism is declining in Australia and the US, with Australian profitability hitting post-COVID lows and US small business sentiment missing economic forecasts.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/business-sentiment-declines-in-australia-and-the-united-states

### 2026-09-03: US lenders and businesses adopt cautious outlook amid economic uncertainty

US lenders and business executives are adopting more cautious stances toward growth and spending due to geopolitical risks, inflation, and recession concerns, despite a slight rise in economic optimism.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-lenders-and-businesses-adopt-cautious-outlook-amid-economic-uncertainty

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Cite as: US and Australian economic sentiment decline. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-and-australian-economic-sentiment-decline