Macro Pulse Newsletter Q1 2026

This quarterly Macro Pulse gives owners and leadership teams of small and lower
middle-market companies a clear view of the economic conditions that drive cash flow,
hiring, borrowing, and growth decisions. The newsletter tracks sixteen indicators with
multi-year history, the direction of trend, and a plain-language read on what each one
means. It also provides a brief Sector Lens on healthcare, construction, and manufacturing –
the three industries where Black Diamond CFO Solutions focuses.

THE HEADLINE
Energy prices jolted a solid economy. Inflation re-accelerated in March.
Growth and hiring held up in the first quarter, and business credit expanded. In March, fuel prices rose with the Iran conflict,
consumer prices jumped, and small-business optimism fell below its long-run average. The Fed held its target range at
3.50%–3.75% throughout the quarter.

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Categories: Macroeconomics