Iran war fears fuel global economic gloom as growth toll climbs across key surveys

Surveys show pessimism rising as price pressures jump

Fresh business surveys spanning Australia to the US point to worsening sentiment on economic growth, with pessimism increasing alongside sharply accelerating price signals. The surveys suggest the Iran war’s ripple effects may be amplifying uncertainty and costs, leaving businesses cautious on near term demand even as inflation-like pressures build. The widening gap between expectations and reality is raising concern.