Local business confidence concerns have eased compared with 2025, index shows

Local business leaders still feel concerned about the economy’s outlook, according to a report from UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research.

The fourth-quarter Southern Nevada Business Confidence Index — which surveyed businesses in September about their thoughts on the next quarter — scored respondents’ overall expectations at 71.2, a 40.9 percent change year over year.

An index score above 100 indicates positivity and is based on expectations in five components.

Expectations for Nevada’s economy, sales, profits, hiring and capital expenditures have all risen substantially since 2025 — with hiring expectations up the most at a 64.2 percent increase.

Researchers say the data show a continued theme of uncertainty in the economy, though pessimism has eased when it comes to sales and profits.