Enterprise Technology Intelligence Monthly Update: February 2026
Executive Summary
Economic uncertainty is not easing up. The labor market slowed down to the worst pace in 10 years, inflation continues unabated, and consumer sentiment continues to drop. At the same time, according to Q4 reports, the stock market posted a significant yearly gain in 2025, GDP rose more than expected, and the K-shaped economic theory is proving correct: 20% of consumers accounted for 5% of GDP spending, while 80% continue to battle affordability.
As AI spending by enterprises slows due to AI optimization, how will the economy fare in 2026—and more importantly, what will it mean for enterprise technology budgets? KPMG wrote, “We enter 2026 looking in two directions at once. One face sees the promise of AI and the stock market returns it is generating. The other sees a labor market that is frozen and a prosperity that feels increasingly out of reach.” This is probably the most accurate description of where we are.
