Forecasts call for manufacturing growth to increase faster than the general economy in coming years, with production estimated to rise 2.8 percent from 2018 to 2021, according to the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation Foundation (MAPI). This sustained growth will continue to put strains on manufacturers as they compete for an ever-shrinking pool of talent. … READ MORE >
Blog
Fashion to get lift from spending, amid trade and labor challenges
Consumer confidence and spending created some momentum for the fashion sector in 2018. Continued strong consumer confidence, along with the threat of trade regulations and a tight labor market, will be dominant themes for the sector—and the broader retail space—heading into 2019. In 2018, apparel retailers saw sales rise 7.5 percent for the week of Black Friday ended Nov. 24, compared to a year earlier. … READ MORE >
Data to help food makers manage trends, boost transparency
The 2019 outlook for the food and beverage sector remains cautiously optimistic; however, macroeconomic trends and public policy headwinds make it increasingly important for middle market companies to pay close attention to consumer preferences, while leveraging technology to drive process improvements and optimization. Margin pressures remain front and center due … … READ MORE >
Technology industry pressured by global issues in near term
Macroeconomic indicators signal slowing growth in 2019, and the tech industry is likely to follow suit. Adding to concerns is the future of the trade spat between China and the United States, which remains unclear. As a result, some U.S. technology verticals, such as semiconductors, will be forced to absorb margin pressure … … READ MORE >