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Publication Date: November 9, 2026
Lenders are showing greater optimism about future economic conditions and customer growth in Q4 2026, following more cautious sentiment in Q3. However, concerns about geopolitical risk/war, policy uncertainty, and the possibility of a US recession continue to shape the outlook. A majority of lenders surveyed also expect interest rates to rise or remain elevated over the next six months. Respondents continue to cite Financial Services as the industry most likely to experience volatility over the next six months.
In the J.S. Held “Lending Climate in America” survey for Q4 2026, lenders were asked to identify what actions their customers planned to take most frequently in the next six to twelve months. The survey also reveals that lenders remain cautious and seek to maintain loan structures across all loan sizes, although larger loans remain subject to heightened scrutiny as 2027 approaches.
READ THE COMPLETE SURVEY RESULTS HERE:
Full Report: Click here to view
Infographic: Click here to view
The “Lending Climate in America” survey is administered quarterly to lenders from various commercial banks, private credit funds, finance companies, and factors across the country. Our team of experts collects, tabulates, and analyzes the results to create a complete evaluation of national attitudes and trends.
To view all "Lending Climate in America" reports, please click here.
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