MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - New economic data from Middle Tennessee State University reveals a tale of two economies as spring gets underway. The latest surveys from the Consumer Research Institute show that while business leaders are ready to grow, Rutherford County families are taking a much more cautious approach. Business sentiment has climbed to an all-time high of 55%, with negative views dropping to just 11%. Many of these leaders expect higher sales and plan to hire more employees in the coming months.

The outlook for local consumers is also improving, but at a slower pace. The Tennessee Consumer Outlook Index rose 126 points, marking a modest rebound from a long period of negativity. More people are reporting that their financial situations have stabilized compared to last year. However, the "sticker shock" of inflation still lingers. Most consumers are adopting a defensive financial stance, with 61% expressing concern about economic uncertainty.

MTSU director Michael Peasley noted that while the consumer outlook is moving in the right direction, the willingness to spend on "big-ticket" items remains low. Only 12% of those surveyed think it is a good time to buy a home. For businesses, the main challenges ahead include navigating high interest rates and fluctuating input costs. Despite these hurdles, the general consensus among Tennessee firms is one of expansion and investment for the remainder of 2026.