MA · News · 20260915N

Macroeconomic Consumer Pressure

Mastercard Inc · 2026-09-15 · Importance 17 · Surprise 24

Mastercard’s Dreamonomics research surveyed more than 6,000 small and medium-sized enterprises across 18 countries and found that 68% prioritize stability and predictability over rapid growth. The findings indicate that SMEs are responding to a more demanding economic environment by emphasizing resilience, digital tools and cyber protection; 89% want more digital tools and 71% identify cyber protection as a priority. Mastercard also highlighted U.S. small-business pressures from higher energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict, tariffs disrupting supply chains, and increased labor and operating costs.

Key facts

• Mastercard's new marketing push aims to give America's 36 million small businesses a morale boost as they face pressures ranging from increased energy prices triggered by war in the Middle East, tariffs that have upended supply chains, and higher labor and operating costs. source