MADISON, Wis. – In the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s latest Economic Conditions Survey of Wisconsin bank CEOs, 86% of respondents rated Wisconsin’s current economic health as “excellent” or “good.” Most survey respondents (59%) predict that Wisconsin’s economy will stay about the same over the next six months and expect inflation to either stay about the same (63%) or rise (23%). The responses from this recent survey are generally on par with many sentiments reflected in the previous survey at the end of 2024, when 83% of respondents rated Wisconsin’s health at the time as “excellent” or “good” and 58% predicted the economy would stay about the same, with other responses predicting the economy would weaken over the next six months (14%).
“Bank CEOs offer a unique perspective on the economic landscape, drawing from both their financial expertise and deep connections to their communities,” said WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels. “With uncertainty continuing around interest rates, tariffs, and overall national economic conditions, the mid-year survey provides timely insight into how bankers are viewing the months ahead. As economic pressures persist, banks remain focused on supporting their customers through both challenges and opportunities.” She added, “In Wisconsin, WBA is pleased to see compromise on the state budget which contains important provisions to ensure our state’s continued strong economic health.”
Among the economic bright spots cited by bank CEOs in the recent survey were new businesses moving into local markets, few business failures, a strong manufacturing sector, some expansion in local ag economy, and good tourism. Looking ahead to the latter half of 2025, bank CEOs reported top business customers’ concerns as economic uncertainty due to tariffs and global instability, interest rates, rising cost of insurance, ability to sell crops, high costs for raw materials and supplies, and employee housing. Top non-business customer concerns include fraud and rising personal debt. Survey respondents also reflected it is difficult to forecast given fluctuations in tariff negotiations, that the housing market is on hold for lower interest rates, but that “business as usual” is reassuring and stabilizing during times of uncertainty and change.
The mid-year 2025 survey was conducted June 3–June 30 with 72 respondents. Below is a breakdown of the survey questions and responses. Sums may not equal 100 percent due to rounding. Survey results and graphics are also available at www.wisbank.com/2025-mid-year-survey/
