As we close Q3’25, the corporate and investor landscape reflects a balance of optimism and realism. Earnings broadly exceeded expectations, yet with macro headwinds persisting, sentiment has shifted toward “cautious growth”, one that rewards disciplined execution and clear, transparent communication.
Register to download our white papers: “The Pragmatic Sustainability Era: Aligning Purpose, Performance, and Value” and “Inaugural Capital Allocation Series – M&A: Investor Communication Roadmap for Success”
Register to download our white paper: “The Pragmatic Sustainability Era: Aligning Purpose, Performance, and Value”
Drawing on Corbin’s Biennial Global Sustainability Survey and relevant broad-based Voice of Investor® research, the white paper captures how companies and investors are aligning purpose and performance in a more disciplined, pragmatic ESG era.
As we close Q3’25, the corporate and investor landscape reflects a balance of optimism and realism. Earnings broadly exceeded expectations, yet with macro headwinds persisting, sentiment has shifted toward “cautious growth”, one that rewards disciplined execution and clear, transparent communication
As we celebrate 18 years, we’re deeply grateful for the trust, partnership, and relationships with clients, colleagues, partners, and advocates that define our journey. Here’s to continued innovation, elevation, and growing together. Onward!
Executives across the sector describe a subdued operating environment marked by limited visibility, persistent trade uncertainty, and constrained consumer spending amid affordability pressures. Although recent monetary easing and the early stages of a rate-cutting cycle are beginning to provide some hope for relief, most companies expect a gradual and uneven recovery.
Our analysis finds that fundamentals across the Materials sector remain challenged, as companies continue to navigate a landscape defined by persistent trade uncertainty, constrained consumer spending, excess inventory, and softer-for-longer demand dynamics.
The Consumer Discretionary sector commentary points to continued headwinds, including inflation and tariffs, but also tailwinds, namely a more conducive rate environment. Housing remains constrained by affordability, while several retailers indicate trends have bottomed rather than worsened.
With more than three quarters of the year behind us, companies are closing out 2025 and highlighting entering 2026 with cautious optimism, reflecting an environment of persistent macro uncertainty but gradual stabilization. Across categories, executives cite the positive direction of travel regarding interest rates but also increasing inflationary pressures and mounting tariffs as key variables shaping demand and consumer sentiment.
