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 >
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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 >
Hurricanes and sticky service and housing prices propped up inflation in October
The disinflationary trend that has worked its way through the economy for much of the year modestly abated in October as the top-line consumer price index increased by 0.2% and the core rose by 0.3% on a monthly basis. On an annual basis, those figures increased by 2.6% and 3.3%, ... READ MORE >
To contend with higher tariffs, businesses need to act now
With higher tariffs likely under the incoming Trump administration, businesses are already making decisions in a way that will affect economic growth and reshape the global economy. We are already getting questions on pulling forward expected orders for durable goods to avoid the increase in ... READ MORE >
Waste management companies focus on strategy and sustainability on Q3 earnings calls
During third-quarter earnings calls for several of the major players in the waste management space, companies addressed how strategic initiatives, technological advancements and sustainability efforts are driving their transformations. Transcripts of the earnings calls were provided by Bloomberg. ... READ MORE >
Consumer sentiment in November rises to highest level since April
U.S. consumer sentiment rose to the highest level since April as gasoline prices continued to fall and inflation concerns eased. According to the University of Michigan's survey in November, the sentiment index increased to 73 from 70.5 with expectations leading the increase. The election should not ... READ MORE >
5 things to know in life sciences: Week of November 4, 2024
Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here's the latest. How the election might affect the life sciences industry Fierce Pharma provides some initial thoughts regarding the impact of Donald Trump’s election. Issues considered include changes to the Inflation ... READ MORE >
Marketing and advertising firms talk tech, other growth drivers on Q3 earnings calls
Several major publicly traded players in the marketing and advertising space addressed how technological advancements, strategic growth initiatives and robust cost management practices are driving their transformations on third-quarter earnings calls. Transcripts of the earnings called were provided by ... READ MORE >