The Middle Market Indicator

The Middle Market Indicator (MMI) is the National Center for the Middle Market’s flagship survey and economic outlook report. It tracks business performance, sentiment, investment priorities and growth expectations among U.S. middle market companies.

Middle market companies have historically overcontributed to the economy, making up a fraction of all businesses but representing roughly one-third of private sector GDP and employing tens of millions of Americans. Their performance and outlook provide a valuable indicator of broader economic trends.

While no survey can predict future outcomes with certainty, the MMI has consistently provided a reliable view of middle market performance and sentiment for more than a decade. Historically, middle market companies underpromise and overdeliver, with actual results often exceeding forecasts.

The MMI has tracked middle market performance since 2012, with the first report published on April 30, 2012. It provides one of the most comprehensive and consistent longitudinal datasets on the U.S. middle market.

The MMI survey is fielded twice each year, in June and December, providing a current snapshot of middle market performance and sentiment along with historical trend data.

Each release includes a full report, key charts and data visualizations, center perspective and analysis of important business and economic trends affecting the middle market.

The Middle Market Indicator is developed and managed by the National Center for the Middle Market, housed at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business.

The center inserts topically based questions in each survey. If your organization is interested in adding a specific question or series of questions to the survey, please contact the center at middlemarketcenter@fisher.osu.edu.