In the third quarter, human capital management companies focused on innovative approaches and strategic initiatives that led to increased client retention and growth, based on recent earnings calls. All the calls cover the same timeframe, but due to differences in fiscal years, the earnings calls of ... READ MORE >
USA
Higher tariffs are likely coming; consumer businesses should prepare
As consumer products companies look to a new Trump administration, higher tariffs are most likely on the way. Businesses that prepare now, even as they wait for the tariffs to take shape, will be better positioned to maximize their margins. For example, businesses can adjust to smaller tariffs through ... READ MORE >
New space launch law comes as satellite industry grows
The Biden administration’s Launch Communications Act, signed into law Sept. 26, aims to streamline the Federal Communications Commission’s process for regulating radio frequencies during commercial space launches and reentries. With this new law, satellite companies should expect a more efficient process ... READ MORE >
Housing starts and permits fall in October as hurricanes take a toll
Housing starts and building permits in the United States fell in October for the second straight month largely because of the two hurricanes in the South and the recent rebound in mortgage rates. Housing starts, a key indicator of residential real estate performance within gross domestic product, ... READ MORE >
The U.S. economic year ahead: Regime change, growth and rising interest rates
Since the American economy emerged from the shocks of the pandemic, we have made the case that it is undergoing a fundamental structural change. The end of historically low interest rates, the adoption of policies aimed at bolstering vital national industries and the influx of foreign capital have all ... READ MORE >
5 things to know in life sciences: Week of November 11, 2024
Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here's the latest. Addressing clinical trials challenges in biopharma ecosystem Experts at the Outsourcing in Clinical Trials Conference in New England discussed strategies for navigating the challenging biopharma ecosystem, ... READ MORE >
U.S. retail sales decelerated in October
Retail sales growth was softer in October, following a stronger-than-expected September report, which had sharp upward revisions, the Census Bureau reported on Friday. The mixed results should not change the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will cut its policy rate in December. That probability has ... READ MORE >
Holiday season business insights: Shorter season, early shopping and fast shipping
While consumers’ spending power is moderating, shoppers still expect to pay more than they did last holiday season. A shorter holiday season leading to compressed shipping timelines will create challenges for consumers eager to buy gifts for their families. State of the consumer Consumer spending was a ... READ MORE >
Falling jobless claims and firmer inflation point to slower rate cuts
The impact of two major hurricanes and labor strikes in the past two months on initial jobless claim data has completely faded, as the metric fell to 217,000 last week, lower than the pre-pandemic average. The continued drop in new filings for unemployment benefits, a proxy for layoffs, should suggest ... READ MORE >
Staffing and recruitment companies focus on the future on Q3 earnings calls
For staffing and recruitment companies, the third quarter was a period of navigating economic uncertainties and leveraging strategic initiatives for growth. During earnings calls, Adecco Group AG, Randstad NV, ManpowerGroup Inc., Robert Half Inc., and Kelly Services Inc. highlighted their approaches to ... READ MORE >