We expect the Federal Reserve to keep its policy rate in a range between 4.25% and 4.5% with little to no change in the policy statement when the Federal Open Market Committee meets on May 6 and 7. … READ MORE >
USA
5 things to know in life sciences: Week of April 28, 2025
Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest. … READ MORE >
Last call on the current business cycle? U.S. added 177,000 jobs in April.
The labor market expanded at a solid pace in April, which should be taken as a positive given the price shock that will soon begin showing up. … READ MORE >
Market Minute: A brief word about productivity and protectionism
The shift toward protectionism all the more ill-timed given the monumental investment into artificial intelligence and how it will drive innovation and productivity into the next generation. … READ MORE >
On the knife’s edge: U.S. GDP contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter
The American economy is navigating an air-pocket that has caused it to rapidly lose altitude. It has entered a period that is best characterized as stagflation and that will in the near term limit the degrees of freedom on policy at the Federal Reserve. … READ MORE >
Market Minute: U.S. heavy truck sales point to slowing economy
Production and sales of heavy trucks are slowing ahead of the shocks linked to tariffs and what will be further declines in demand by households and commercial ventures, data shows. … READ MORE >
Consumer businesses face tariffs: Weighing strategies to mitigate costs
U.S. businesses reliant on foreign imports have seen their average tariff rate increase from 2% at the beginning of the year to 24% as of April 11, according to Bloomberg. This has left many businesses, including those in the consumer products industry, considering what actions to take to mitigate the increased costs due to tariffs. … READ MORE >
In trade and confidence data, recession warning signs are mounting
Our forecast of a 0.8% drop in gross domestic product in the first quarter looks much more likely now as the trade deficit widened to a record in March. … READ MORE >
Health care industry trend watch: Week of April 28, 2025
Mounting tariffs are triggering concerns across health care organizations grappling with already thin margins. … READ MORE >
Market Minute: Unemployment expectations, job creation and the trade shock
The percentage of consumers who expect unemployment to rise over the next 12 months soared to 65% in April, according to the University of Michigan’s survey of consumer sentiment. … READ MORE >