HR chiefs signal expectations for more hiring ahead , The Conference Board says

The Conference Board’s U.S. CHRO Confidence Index rose to 59 in Q1 2026 — the strongest reading since the series began three years ago. Readings above 50 indicate net positive sentiment among chief HR officers, and the jump signals expectations for more hiring ahead. Stronger hiring prospects can support consumer income and spending, reducing recession risk and providing a tailwind for equities, particularly the US SP 500. While monetary policy and geopolitical risks remain relevant, the survey’s improvement is a broadly positive, pro-growth datapoint that may bolster cyclical sectors and overall market breadth.