The latest from our experts and research on the emerging topics impacting people and businesses’ ability to make financial progress.
New research shows work-related financial pressure increasingly spills into home life, revealing how income uncertainty and caregiving demands intensify strain within many households.
Survey data suggests that the challenges and adaptations of 2025 will influence planning in 2026, with firms prioritizing cost management, stability, and readiness for changing market conditions.
Findings show markets investing in secure, integrated digital systems are seeing faster, more durable progress that strengthens confidence, expands opportunity, and supports greater economic mobility.
From financial health to staffing priorities, hear from 1,000 U.S. business leaders about how they're adapting to economic and technology shifts.
Hear strategic insights on how global economic shifts, market trends, and AI will impact Main Street and Wall Street as business owners and investors navigate the changing financial landscape.
Longer lives are reshaping retirement, with Gen X and boomers worried about outliving their savings.
Businesses report significant declines in the financial health of their business, their local economy, and the U.S. economy—eroding the sense of optimism expressed in years past.
Percent of businesses that believe the following are growing
- The U.S. economy
- Their local economy
- Their business
- Percent optimistic in economic outlook for next 12 months
“Despite a drop in business sentiment, small and midsize businesses are holding on to their staff. Such a preference for labor hoarding comes even before the U.S.-China trade truce, indicating that small business layoffs may be even less likely in the months ahead. This should help prevent unemployment from rising significantly this year, which, in turn, lowers recession risk.”
–Seema Shah, Chief global strategist, Principal Asset Management®
Asset management and investments
Read global insights and quick takes on the capital markets from Principal Asset Management.
Business and protection solutions
Discover key trends and timely issues for small and midsize business owners and their employees.
Retirement
Dive deep into insights across the retirement journeys of individuals and employers.
Sustainability
Review the data that drives our Sustainability strategy.
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