At a glance Expanding 5G networks and more prevalent use of IoT devices have the potential to provide significant environmental benefits. Potential environmental benefits include less energy usage, lower transportation emissions, better utilization of agriculture resources and a reduction in ... READ MORE >
Canada
Could the video gaming and esports industry be at the center of the next economic evolution?: Spring 2022 outlook
At a glance The video gaming and esports sector is currently seeing significant growth and transaction activity, headlined by recent landmark acquisitions by Take-Two and Microsoft. The potential of the metaverse is driving higher valuations for gaming companies, as well as makers of design ... READ MORE >
Tech investment sets new records while cloud software growth continues: Spring 2022 outlook
At a glance Despite the pandemic environment, investment in the technology sector has continued to set records in all categories. Cloud-based software demand is growing, led by finance and enterprise resource planning tools, as well as customer relationship management, human resources and security ... READ MORE >
Technology, media and telecom industry outlook: Spring 2022
The technology, media and telecom sectors have been influential during the pandemic, maintaining and even increasing productivity, efficiency and connectivity for companies and individuals alike. The momentum within the industry shows no signs of slowing down, as investment activity continues to surge and ... READ MORE >
Inflation in Canada surpasses 5% amid broad price increases
Canada’s inflation rate hit 5.1% in January amid high gasoline and food prices, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Wednesday. Households continued to feel the impact of rising prices for essential items, with food up by 5.7%, shelter rising by 6.2% and gasoline increasing by 31.7% on a ... READ MORE >
Protests’ ramifications on the Canadian economy
The trucker convoy has shuttered the Canadian economy, with consequences reaching far beyond cross-border trade and encompassing the supply chain, inflation, the labor market and economic growth. The protests, which led Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to declare a national public order emergency on ... READ MORE >
Consumer products industry outlook: Spring 2022
From managing channel opportunities and supply chain challenges to addressing the tight labor market, consumer products businesses face a variety of issues this year. Retailers, restaurants, apparel companies, and food and beverage businesses continue to navigate a volatile economic environment. Key ... READ MORE >
Retailers capitalize on opportunities while restaurants look for consistency: Spring 2022 outlook
Even with the increases in digital and e-commerce, many retailers will leverage physical stores as a sales channel as well. A tightened labor market is constraining the restaurant industry’s ability to provide the exceptional experiences customers expect. Read about other sectors Coming off a ... READ MORE >
Price increases are necessary but could prove costly for food and beverage companies: Spring 2022 outlook
Robotics, artificial intelligence and other solutions will help alleviate the constraints on labor. Growing food and beverage businesses will maintain or improve market share while passing along costs to consumers. Read about other sectors If 2021 was the year for middle market food and beverage ... READ MORE >
Can apparel sales growth continue? – Spring 2022 outlook
Apparel companies, especially those in the middle market, will need to pay close attention to inventory levels to ensure balance sheets are not burdened with excess product. Beauty and personal care brands should experience strong performance as customer mobility increases and COVID-19 cases ... READ MORE >