A key gauge of U.S. factory activity dipped into contraction territory in March, new data released Wednesday shows. The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index dipped to 49.1 in March, from 50.1 a month earlier, and above the consensus of 44.5. A reading below 50 indicates contraction in the manufacturing sector, … … READ MORE >
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Coronavirus pandemic highlights importance of life sciences industry
While the coronavirus pandemic has slowed growth in the life sciences sector this year, it has also highlighted the importance of the biotech and pharmaceutical industries as the whole world battles the COVID-19 disease and its impacts. This industry focus could have a lasting impact in shifting consumer and policymaker … … READ MORE >
How to become a qualified lender under the Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program, an ambitious $349 billion loan program designed to quickly give relief to small businesses, represents an unusual opportunity for lenders to expand their client base with loans that are fully guaranteed by the federal government. … READ MORE >
What middle market companies can learn from Nike about managing disruption
Last week, Nike surprised investors in its earnings report when it revealed that sales in China had declined by only 5% for the quarter ending February 28. While China is a key growth market for the apparel and footwear giant, the decrease demonstrated how well Nike had navigated a nationwide … … READ MORE >
Life sciences industry growth was on a strong trajectory. Then the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Strong consumer spending, historically low unemployment and an easing of trade tensions with China initially fueled optimism early in the year for a 2020 bull market. But as the coronavirus pandemic has upended the global economy, uncertainty and disruption have replaced that once sunny outlook, and the life sciences ecosystem … … READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims preview: Expect another big increase
We expect that for the week ending March 28, 2020, initial jobless claims will show an increase of 3.1 million when the figures are announced on Thursday. This would imply a two-week total of 6.4 million. … READ MORE >
The swift and significant monetary and fiscal policy responses to the coronavirus
March 2020 has been a month for the ages – one that fiscal and monetary policymakers will never forget. Congress put forward roughly $2.2 trillion, or equal to 11.4% of gross domestic product, in fiscal aid to address current and coming economic difficulties around the country. … READ MORE >
RSM Manufacturing Outlook Index gives another sign of recession
The RSM Manufacturing Outlook Index took a nosedive in March, to levels ordinarily reserved for recessions. The index reversed the gains of the first two months of the year and dropped two standard deviations below levels associated with normal manufacturing conditions. … READ MORE >
With the CARES Act, online lenders are poised to become mainstream
The $2 trillion CARES Act promises to help many American businesses, individuals and states overcome the severe impact from the corona pandemic. But one industry in particular is in a strong position to benefit: Fintech, and especially online lending businesses that have been gaining market share in recent years. … READ MORE >
Retailers and restaurants should consider the CARES Act
On March 27 the president signed the CARES Act into law, providing $2 trillion in aid for individuals and business throughout the United States. Great uncertainty exists within the middle market as companies scramble to determine what programs are available, whether they are eligible, and how they can take advantage … … READ MORE >