Information Releases

September 2026

TDB Trends Research, September 2026

Business sentiment remained flat
— Weak demand and cost burdens restrained the recovery —

Trend in September 2026: Flat trend

The Economic Diffusion Index (DI) for September 2026 remained unchanged from the previous month at 44.6.
While machinery-related and travel demand supported the domestic economy, a number of adverse factors, including persistently high input costs and unfavorable weather conditions, caused the upward trend to level off.

Future outlook: Gradual recovery

Looking ahead, rising costs and higher interest rates are expected to weigh on economic momentum. At the same time, a recovery in domestic demand is likely to provide support, resulting in a continued gradual recovery.

Primary points of survey results(summary)

1. 1 By industry: Looking ahead, rising costs and higher interest rates are expected to weigh on economic momentum. At the same time, a recovery in domestic demand is likely to provide support, resulting in a continued gradual recovery.
2. 2 By scale: “Micro firms” improved, while “large firms” and “small to medium-sized firms” remained unchanged.
3. 3 By region: 4 regions improved while 5 deteriorated, reflecting regional disparities.

Economic Trends Research, September 2026