The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index fell to 67.8 in February, the lowest level since July, as sentiment of both current and future conditions deteriorated. The impact of recent announcements on tariffs was evident in the report as inflation expectations for the next 12 months spiked to ... READ MORE >
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Logistics and transportation companies cautiously optimistic in Q4 earnings calls
Fourth-quarter 2024 earnings reports from leading trucking and logistics companies revealed muted demand amid a challenging freight backdrop. However, a theme of cautious optimism emerged, with many executives anticipating low-to-mid-single-digit increases in volume and mid-to-double-digit rate increases ... READ MORE >
Job growth cools in January amid revisions to labor force estimate
The economic tailwind that has supported an average increase of 3.1% in household consumption since 2023 continued into January as robust demand for labor resulted in a 143,000 increase in total employment and an unemployment rate of 4%. The January jobs report, released on Friday, shows a resilient ... READ MORE >
5 things to know in life sciences: Week of Feb. 3, 2025
Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here's the latest. Possible tariffs could affect prescription drug costs and availability Pharmaceutical groups warn that recent proposed tariffs on imports from China, Canada and Mexico could lead to higher prices and ... READ MORE >
Morning market minute: The rising concentration risk in equities
For the first time since the dot.com bust in 2001, the difference between the equity earnings yield on the forward-looking S&P 500 less the yield on the 10-year Treasury has declined into negative terrain. This is a function of the concentration in the largest technology names inside the S&P ... READ MORE >
Morning market minute: The divergent unemployment rates of foreign-born and native-born workers
On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will publish its jobs report for January. This month's report will take on added significance because it will include its annual benchmark revision and updated seasonal adjustment factors of the establishment survey, which includes nonfarm payrolls, employment, ... READ MORE >
A streaming-only Super Bowl may arrive sooner than you think
If you are reading this article, you’re likely planning to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday along with an expected record-breaking number of people. But unless you’re among the lucky fans inside the stadium in New Orleans, you’ll be watching the game courtesy of a traditional broadcaster or through ... READ MORE >
Morning market minute: Trucking firms at risk amid trade tensions
As trade tensions have mounted in recent weeks, most of the focus has been on agriculture, autos and aviation, three industries that rely on integrated supply chains involving Mexico, Canada and China. Yet one area that should not be overlooked is trucking and transportation, which would take a hit ... READ MORE >
Organizations dependent on federal funding need to consider options
As we have seen recently, federal funding operations and priorities often shift with new administrations or during economic uncertainty. Organizations relying heavily on federal funding are especially vulnerable. In the context of the Trump administration's recent proposal to pause some categories of ... READ MORE >
Labor demand cools in December
The significant drop in job openings in December extended the downward trend in labor demand toward normalization since the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes in 2022. Job openings fell to 7.6 million from 8.2 million in November, near the pre-pandemic level and providing the Fed with more relief regarding ... READ MORE >