TrendsTalk

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down the global economic outlook for 2026 at a time when geopolitical uncertainty and trade policy changes are creating anxiety for business leaders. Despite the noise, key indicators point to continued global growth, though not without important shifts that could impact your strategy. Which regions are positioned to outperform, and how should businesses think about trade and supply chain risk this year? Watch to understand what matters most for planning in 2026 and beyond. What does this global growth environment mean for your business decisions? Click here for a Free Preview of Trends Report → https://hubs.la/Q03ybVV00

This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the delayed December jobs report and explains why softer hiring may not signal economic weakness, highlighting employment as a lagging indicator and the growing divide between sector winners and losers in the labor market. She also examines what the latest data means for the Federal Reserve's rate path, why borrowing costs continue to diverge from Fed policy, and how renewed discussions around Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could influence mortgage rates, raising important questions for businesses and borrowers navigating ongoing uncertainty.

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down the 2026 economic outlook after a challenging 2025. Growth is returning across GDP, industrial production, and business investment, but higher labor, electricity, and tariff-related costs threaten margins. Which sectors are positioned to improve, and what should leaders focus on now to stay profitable and prepare for the 2030s? Check out a Trends Report Free Preview here → https://hubs.la/Q03ybVV00

This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down why inflation is becoming the Fed's dominant concern as we enter 2026. She unpacks the latest Fed meeting minutes, growing dissent within the FOMC, and what a more hawkish voting lineup could mean for interest rate policy. Lauren also explores why the U.S. consumer remains resilient, how upcoming tax refunds could provide short-term support, and why now is the time for businesses to revisit pricing strategies as CPI pressures build. What risks should business leaders be watching most closely this year?

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain breaks down why inflation is expected to accelerate into 2026 and what it means for business margins, pricing strategy, and profitability. Producer costs are rising, consumer inflation is picking up, and interest rate flexibility may be limited. What should leaders be watching now, and how can organizations prepare before cost pressures intensify?

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain shares a long-term economic outlook that every business leader should be planning for now. With strong GDP and Industrial Production growth expected through 2029, the real risk is not the next few years but how prepared your business will be when the downturn arrives around 2030. Learn which markets are positioned to outperform, why waiting to react is costly, and how today's growth cycle creates rare opportunities for diversification, market share gains, and strategic acquisitions. Are you using the next four years wisely? Click here to buy our webinar, Strategic Shifts for Resiliency in the 2030s Great Depression, here → https://hubs.la/Q03VQwhz0

December 19, 2025 This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the latest U.S. jobs report and what softer headline growth is really signaling beneath the surface. She also examines why inflation remains stubbornly above the Fed's target, what recent CPI data suggests about a turning point ahead, and how rising cost pressures could impact pricing strategies in 2026. Plus, Lauren looks ahead to GDP, business spending, and why uncertainty may finally be easing as we move into the new year. What should business leaders be preparing for now? Click here to buy our webinar, Strategic Shifts for Resiliency in the 2030s Great Depression, here → https://hubs.la/Q03VQwhz0

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down why electricity costs are rising and how data center expansion is reshaping the economic landscape heading into 2026. As inflation pressures build and power infrastructure strains intensify, electricity is emerging as a top input cost for many businesses. Where are the risks, and where are the opportunities for growth despite higher costs? Click here to buy our webinar, Strategic Shifts for Resiliency in the 2030s Great Depression, here → https://hubs.la/Q03VQwhz0

December 12, 2025 This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker unpacks the Fed's latest rate cut. Is the real story hiding between the lines? With committee views drifting apart and borrowing costs sticking higher than many expected, the outlook is anything but settled. Are the Fed's inflation assumptions on track, or is the bond market seeing something they're not? Tune in for our unbiased answers. Click here to buy our webinar, Strategic Shifts for Resiliency in the 2030s Great Depression, here → https://hubs.la/Q03VQwhz0

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain assesses the health of the U.S. consumer and what the latest data means for companies preparing for 2026. Consumer spending continues to rise at a pace above inflation, delinquency rates remain below financial crisis levels, and a growing share of households are paying off full credit card balances.

December 5, 2025 This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down a pivotal moment for monetary policy as markets price in a likely rate cut ahead of next week's meeting. With government data delayed by the shutdown, businesses are left navigating uncertainty and relying on less-predictive private-sector indicators. Lauren also highlights major Federal Reserve data revisions that could reshape how leaders interpret historical trends, plus new political developments that may influence future Fed leadership and independence. If your business is interest rate sensitive, this episode offers timely context to help you prepare for rate-driven risks and opportunities. What change in policy would impact you most? Join us for our upcoming webinar to discover the essential tools and strategies you will need → https://hubs.la/Q03VQwhz0

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Michael Feuz explains why 2026 is setting up to deliver more economic growth than 2025. He highlights the key “ingredients of growth” already in motion, from resilient consumer spending to rising B2B activity and expanding corporate cash levels. Michael also addresses a critical pain point for leaders: margin pressures that will intensify as growth accelerates. How should businesses prepare for this next phase? Tune in for guidance on capacity planning, efficiency, and protecting the bottom line. What steps are you taking to get ready?

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down the latest data on US Private Nonresidential Construction and explains why the current downturn is expected to remain mild. Taylor highlights what the most reliable leading indicators are telling us and outlines when businesses should begin preparing for the next growth cycle in 2026.

November 21, 2025 This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the long-delayed September employment report and explains what the unexpected strength means for the labor market and the Fed's December meeting. Discover where job losses are emerging, why certain sector gains matter for consumer momentum, and how unusual data collection conditions during the government shutdown affected the report's quality.

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain shares an update on the US Single-Unit Housing market. While affordability remains a challenge, ITR Economics forecasts the housing market is approaching its low point in 2025, followed by growth in 2026 and 2027. Taylor breaks down where affordability is improving, which states are most affected, and why the data points to better years ahead for developers and suppliers. Are you ready for the next housing cycle?

November 14, 2025 In this week's episode of Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down how the end of the government shutdown restores critical economic data that the Federal Reserve needs before its December meeting. With mixed signals from policymakers and uncertainty around future rate cuts, how will this renewed data clarity shape monetary policy? Lauren also tackles one of today's biggest economic questions: Is AI transforming the labor market as much as we think? She highlights new insights from a Yale study showing that while AI boosts productivity, its impact remains gradual — not revolutionary.

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain provides an update on the US Economic Policy Uncertainty Index. After record highs earlier this year, uncertainty has been cut in half, setting the stage for accelerating growth in both CAPEX and Industrial Production. Taylor explains why this shift supports ITR Economics' positive outlook through 2026 and what it means for business leaders preparing for expansion. Are you ready to keep pace with growth?

November 7, 2025 This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker discusses the Fed's latest policy shift, ending quantitative tightening, and what it means for future rate cuts. She also discusses the ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, and its uneven impact on consumers and GDP. Plus, Lauren examines the Supreme Court's review of Trump-era tariffs and what to watch as pricing effects unfold over time.

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain revisits ITR Economics' long-standing forecast of a 2030s depression and outlines how businesses can prepare today. Taylor reveals which U.S. states are best positioned for success and which face greater risk based on ten key economic and demographic factors. Learn where your organization may find opportunity as the next decade approaches.

This week on TrendsTalk, Taylor St. Germain from ITR Economics breaks down the current labor market conditions and what they mean for your business strategy. With just over one unemployed person per job opening, there's slight slack in the market, but not for long. Find out why the next 6 to 9 months may be your best window for hiring before tightening conditions and wage pressures hit hard. Taylor also covers workforce demographics, rising labor costs, and how AI and automation can help offset the people problem.

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain examines how soaring data center construction is fueling record-high electricity prices and what that means for your business. With U.S. electric power costs hitting new highs, companies face growing challenges tied to infrastructure strain and future energy policy changes.

This week on TrendsTalk, Taylor St. Germain breaks down where US exports and imports are growing, which countries are losing ground, and why the EU has emerged as the clear trade “winner” in 2025. Despite these changes, the US remains the top destination for foreign direct investment, a key driver for onshoring, reshoring, and long-term industrial growth. What will this mean for manufacturers and business leaders heading into 2026?

This week on TrendsTalk, Taylor St. Germain from ITR Economics unpacks the latest leading indicators for the US Industrial Economy. While growth is still on the horizon for 2026, several key indicators are moving sideways, signaling a milder rise than previous recovery cycles. What does this mean for capacity planning and business strategy? Tune in to learn why understanding not just the direction but also the amplitude of growth is critical for accurate forecasting and planning.

This week on TrendsTalk, Taylor St. Germain reviews the latest data showing manufacturing's growth rate accelerating after a tough 2024. While some sectors like heavy-duty trucks, medical equipment, and light vehicle production remain under pressure, the outlook points to recovery in 2025 and broad-based growth by 2026. Will your business be ready to keep up with the pace of expansion?

This week on TrendsTalk, Taylor St. Germain from ITR Economics explains the concept of “profitless prosperity”, a future where businesses see revenue growth but shrinking profit margins due to rising costs. While economic growth is expected through 2028, inflation and cost pressures may limit profitability. How can your business avoid this trap? Taylor outlines strategies for balancing pricing power with productivity and efficiency, and why developing a three-year plan is critical for protecting margins in an inflationary environment.

This week on TrendsTalk, Taylor St. Germain break down how different income brackets are handling rising costs in food, housing, and healthcare. While higher earners continue to see spending remain below historical averages, lower and middle-income households are facing mounting affordability challenges. What does this divide mean for consumer spending and long-term economic growth?

This week on TrendsTalk, Taylor St. Germain shares the latest housing market update. Single-family housing starts are in a slowdown now, but forecasts point to growth in 2026 and 2027. We review current mortgage rates, home prices, and how incomes are expected to outpace inflation. What do the latest trends mean for homebuyers, builders, and the real estate market outlook? Tune in to learn more!

Purchase the recording of our July Webinar “Contending With Uncertainty and Change” → https://hubs.la/Q03wX5Jk0 Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, we discuss where we are seeing some exciting growth happening in the US economy, with high-tech sectors such as data centers and semiconductors surging ahead while legacy industries remain flat. Which of these high-tech markets holds the biggest opportunities for your business? Tune in to find out!

Purchase the recording of our July Webinar “Contending With Uncertainty and Change” → https://hubs.la/Q03wX5Jk0 Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, we discuss the promising signs of near-term US economic growth, which include renewed momentum in industrial, manufacturing, and business investment. But with economic uncertainty still lingering, how can businesses best position themselves now to thrive when the economy soars? Tune in to find out.

Purchase the recording of our July Webinar “Contending With Uncertainty and Change” → https://hubs.la/Q03wX5Jk0 Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, we unpack the latest July jobs report and highlight what the data really says about the current state of the labor market. Tune in for strategic insights into cutting through the negative headlines and optimizing your hiring strategy in a weaker labor market!

Purchase our July Webinar “Contending With Uncertainty and Change” → https://hubs.la/Q03wX5Jk0 Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Lauren Saidel-Baker joins the show to discuss the recent Federal Reserve decision to keep rates steady. With a growing internal division within the Fed, are we anticipating rate cuts in September? Watch this week's episode to find out!

Register for our July Webinar “Contending With Uncertainty and Change” → https://hubs.la/Q03wX5Jk0 Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, we discuss how Private Nonresidential Construction has entered Phase D, Recession, as we highlight which sectors are contracting and which still show growth. How significant will this downturn be and when will we start to see signs of recovery for the segment? Tune in to find out!

Register for our July Webinar “Contending With Uncertainty and Change” → https://hubs.la/Q03wX5Jk0 Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, we break down why inflation remains a major hurdle for businesses, with interest rate relief unlikely and costs expected to climb through 2029. Want to grow your business without sacrificing margins in this high-cost environment? Tune in to learn how!

Register for our July Webinar “Contending With Uncertainty and Change” → https://hubs.la/Q03wX5Jk0 Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, we explore how the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill relates to our 2030s Great Depression forecast. How will the record-setting government spending of today shape your business strategy for the next decade? Tune in to find out!

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain discusses the current lull in capital expenditures due to heightened trade policy uncertainty. However, with promising signs of recovery in the second half of the year, what can businesses do now to best position themselves for the expected growth through 2026? Tune in to find out!

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain highlights US Industrial Production, noting it is gaining momentum and is forecasted to improve steadily through 2026. What are the main sectors driving this growth? Are you positioning your business to make the most of the growth ahead? Watch the full episode to learn more!

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain notes that while US Retail Sales and GDP remain strong, consumer expectations are down – as sentiment is aligning more with stock market performance. Tune in this week to find out why headlines about consumer anxiety can be misleading for the broader economy.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain highlights our forecast for US Single-Unit Housing Starts, noting that business leaders can expect a mid decline in 2025 due to several factors. What growth opportunities await in 2026 and 2027, and how can your business prepare to navigate the short-term slowdown and thrive in the years ahead? Tune in to learn more!

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain explains that while foreign and domestic investment in the US is surging, tariffs are not driving the reshoring trend. What is behind this surge and what key advantages make the US the top destination? Tune in to find out!

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Lauren Saidel-Baker highlights the reduction of both tariffs on Chinese imports and reciprocal tariffs for a 90-day period. How will this 90-day window with reduced tariffs impact on business costs and market competition? Tune in to find out!

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain reviews that 1Q25 US GDP data and provides expert insight into the 0.3% decline and how it compares to a traditional recession. With many businesses still in the recovery phase of the business cycle, what do our indicators tell us about the future of the economy, and how can businesses best prepare for the upcoming years? Find out here!

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain discusses the latest population growth data from 2020 to 2024. Which states have seen the most significant growth and decline so far this decade, and how much these population trends impact the economic opportunities in different states? Tune in to find out!

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain discusses the current economic uncertainty, highlighting that despite trade policy uncertainty, underlying data shows signs of strength. Are we feeling optimistic about economic growth in 2025 and beyond? Tune in to get the latest data-driven insights!

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain discusses the key drivers to our 2030s Great Depression forecast and highlights the political difficulties in implementing measures to mitigate the economic downturn. Tune in to make sure your business is ready to take on these impending economic challenges!

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain discusses the significant impact of tariffs on various industries, emphasizing the importance of understanding whether commodities are domestically sourced or imported. Want to learn more about which industries are the most affected by tariffs? Tune in to find out!

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain discusses the current state of US Manufacturing and our outlook for the industry. How can businesses leverage key leading indicators to prepare for what 2025 and 2026 will bring? Tune in to find out!

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain discusses the impact of inflation on the Producer Price Index, as well as the importance to developing strategies to manage rising costs. Are you prepared to handle the upcoming inflationary pressures to your business? Tune in to TrendsTalk for the latest insights and actionable advice!

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain discusses the impact of tariffs and leading indicators on the economy. Despite a sluggish start to 2025, will we see stronger economic growth in the second half of the year? Tune in to TrendsTalk to find out how these economic factors could affect your business!

2025 ITR Economics Summit→ https://hubs.la/Q035QkjZ0 Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain shares encouraging news – US Industrial Production is approaching Phase B, Accelerating Growth, indicating a positive outlook for 2025 and 2026 for the industrial economy. While it is normal to feel the negative effects from the past year despite this positive trend, tune in to discover how you can best prepare for the coming growth ahead!

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain discusses the current state of the consumer and its impact on GDP growth. How are income trends, consumer spending, and debt levels shaping our economy? Tune in to find out! 2025 ITR Economics Summit→ https://hubs.la/Q035QkjZ0 Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0

2025 ITR Economics Summit→ https://hubs.la/Q035QkjZ0 Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from Financial Resilience! → https://hubs.la/Q035Qlcs0 This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain discusses the rapid growth and economic impact of the data center industry. How much challenges such as rising electricity costs affect profitability of this booming sector? Tune in to find out!