New home sales posted the second consecutive month of decline in February as elevated prices and rising mortgage rates deterred buyers. … READ MORE >
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Law firms navigating uncertainties can look to historically reliable indicators
Historically, real GDP and levels of activity involving initial public offerings and mergers and acquisitions have correlated to law service demand. So, although the true impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will not be understood for a while, law firms in search of clarity can look to those indicators. … READ MORE >
RSM US Supply Chain Index posted the best result in a year
As much of the world prepares for a post-COVID phase, we believe that the worst of domestic supply chain issues are in the rear-view mirror. Yet rising infections in some countries, along with geopolitical tensions, could delay a full return to normal. … READ MORE >
5 things to know in life sciences: Week of March 14, 2022
From patent infringement claims to underrepresentation of pregnant women in clinical data, each week we highlight five things to know in life sciences. … READ MORE >
Canadian retail sales rebound amid strong auto demand
The fact that most Canadian retail sectors were little affected by the omicron variant in January highlights the strong consumer demand that shows little sign of waning even as prices climb. … READ MORE >
Home sales dip in February amid rising prices and mortgage rates
Sales of existing homes dipped 7.2% in February after recording a sharp 6.6% rise in January, the National Association of Realtors reported on Friday. … READ MORE >
Industrial production advanced, and oil and coal outputs ramped up amid rising prices
Industrial production grew at a slower rate in February as utility outputs dropped back down from an unusually cold January. Manufacturing took the driver seat on the month, despite a sharp drop in auto production. … READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims fall below pre-pandemic level while housing starts improve
New filings for jobless claims, a proxy for job layoffs, fell below the pre-pandemic level once again last week to 214,000, according to the Department of Labor. That marked a 15,000 drop from the prior week and a continuing testament to how tight the labor market has been. … READ MORE >
Higher energy costs are on hospitality’s radar
What was supposed to be the summer of “revenge” travel may end up disappointing expectations. … READ MORE >
Real estate to remain strong in face of interest rate bump
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday boosted interest rates by a quarter percentage point, leaving many landlords and real estate fund managers to wonder how the increase will affect their operations and bottom line. Fortunately, no one needs to ring the alarm. With the cost of capital remaining low, continued interest in real estate from both domestic and foreign investors, and robust demand for sectors such as housing and industrial, real estate should continue to see positive trends despite the near-term interest rate hike. … READ MORE >