This week T. Rowe Price presented its 2026 Retirement Market Outlook, providing updates on retirement policy, building a more resilient investment portfolio, how AI is transforming retirement, and advice and personalization.

“Small businesses have navigated a year filled with challenges, from tariffs and inflation to a prolonged government shutdown – yet their optimism remains unwavering,” says Larry Franco, Comerica Bank Executive Vice President and National Director of Retail & Small Business Banking.

In fact, 82% of hourly workers with access to a plan are saving, while 75% of those without access aren’t saving at all.

The latest survey also identified that 45% of employers have indicated that the current economic conditions have impacted their organization’s culture.

“These results reflect what we hear every day from small business owners. We’re seeing many who want to upgrade their plans or are starting from scratch,” said Hunter Claxton, SVP of Strategy at Ubiquity Retirement + Savings. “With new state and federal changes looming, the next year will serve as the perfect opportunity to get ahead, and that’s where we come in.”

Six in 10 Gen Xers do not feel retirement is an urgent priority.

Six in 10 Gen Xers do not feel retirement is an urgent priority.

“The M&A outlook is optimistic, with forecasts indicating increased activity driven by larger deals focused on scale, innovation and market expansion," says David Dean, Managing Director, M&A Consulting at WTW.