Local businesses reported stronger hiring and revenue expectations in Q2 2026 compared to Q2 2025, suggesting optimism despite ongoing economic uncertainty.

Wages increased 10.6% from August 2025 to August 2026, above the 3.4% inflation rate in August 2026, signaling that workers saw real gains in purchasing power.

SunRail ridership rose 4.2% year-over-year to 106,047 in August 2026.

The latest sales data suggest consumer spending declined 2.9% between April 2025 and April 2026, indicating consumers may be reining in spending.

The regional unemployment rate rose 0.4 percentage points (pp) to 4.6% between August 2025 and August 2026.

Financial activities employment has declined by 2,600 jobs (2.7%) since August 2025.

Regional payroll employment remained stable at 0.8% growth (11,900) year-over-year in August 2026.

Office vacancy rates remained relatively stable, declining only 0.1pp since Q1 2026 and 0.3pp year-over-year.

Industrial vacancy rates rose 0.3pp between Q1 and Q2 2026 but declined 0.2pp year-over-year.