This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the latest CPI and PPI reports and explains why cooler inflation headlines do not necessarily mean interest rate cuts are back on the table. Learn why falling energy prices are distorting the data, what businesses should actually be watching, and how inflation is affecting consumers differently across the economy.

If you're trying to make pricing, budgeting, or investment decisions, looking only at the headline numbers could lead you in the wrong direction. Lauren explains what matters most and what to watch next as the Fed weighs its next move.

Will one month of encouraging inflation data change the Fed's outlook, or is the bigger picture telling a different story?

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain examines which US states are best positioned from a fiscal resiliency standpoint and why that matters for your business strategy. Rising debt, pension obligations, and long term fiscal health could play a major role in determining where opportunities emerge as we move toward the 2030 downturn. If your business depends on government spending, public infrastructure, or regional growth, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

🔗 Click here for our webinar "Winning US States for the 2030s" → https://hubs.ly/Q04dnhxM0

Every business is different, and these rankings are meant to be applied to your unique situation. If you'd like to discuss what your state's outlook means for your business, email [email protected] with "State Index" in the subject line.

This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down what the June jobs report is really telling us about the U.S. economy and why the headlines may not reflect the full story. She also examines the Supreme Court's decision in the Lisa Cook case, what it means for Federal Reserve independence, and why the outcome could shape future monetary policy. If you're trying to separate market noise from meaningful economic trends, this episode explains what business leaders should be watching next.

What do you think will have the bigger impact on the economy: the labor market or Federal Reserve independence? Let us know in the comments.

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain sits down with Managing Director Grace Schatz to discuss new research ranking which US states are best positioned for long-term economic success. Whether you're considering expansion, deciding where to invest, or planning your sales strategy, understanding regional economic resilience could become a competitive advantage. Which surprising states made the list, and why did some fast-growing economies fall short?

Every business is different, and these rankings are meant to be applied to your unique situation. If you'd like to discuss what your state's outlook means for your business, email [email protected] with "State Index" in the subject line.

What factors matter most when deciding where your business should grow next? Let us know in the comments.

🔗 Click here for our webinar "Winning US States for the 2030s" → https://hubs.ly/Q04dnhxM0

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain explains what a K-shaped economy really means and why some industries are accelerating while others continue to struggle. Learn which sectors are on the "upper end of the K," which markets are lagging behind, and why understanding these trends can help businesses make smarter strategic decisions.

📊 Trends Report Free Preview → https://hubs.la/Q03ybVV00

This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down what looked like a strong GDP report and explains why the headline doesn't tell the whole story. Consumer spending weakened, inflation accelerated, and the latest PCE data may have significantly changed the outlook for interest rates.

If your business is waiting for lower borrowing costs or trying to plan for the months ahead, these mixed economic signals could have important implications. Lauren explains what the latest data really means and why the Fed's next move may already be taking shape.

Will higher inflation force the Fed to raise rates sooner than expected? Watch the full episode and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain is joined by Economist Derek Stanely to discuss which US states are best positioned to weather the projected 2030 downturn. With workforce availability, population trends, fiscal health, and economic resilience varying widely across the country, where should businesses focus their growth and diversification efforts?

Discover the key factors behind ITR Economics' rankings of the most resilient and most at-risk states, and learn why geographic strategy may become a competitive advantage in the years ahead.

Which states do you think will be best positioned for the next decade?

Join the June 25 rebroadcast with live Q&A, all registrants receive the recording and slide deck. → https://hubs.ly/Q04dnhxM0

This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the first Federal Reserve meeting under new Chair Kevin Warsh and why the market may need to rethink expectations for interest rates.

While rates remained unchanged, the Fed's messaging took a noticeably different tone. Lauren examines what Warsh's leadership style could mean for future policy decisions, inflation management, Fed communications, and the broader economic outlook.

For business leaders, investors, and decision-makers trying to navigate persistent inflation and uncertain rate expectations, this meeting may offer important clues about what comes next.

Will a new chair lead to a new era at the Federal Reserve?

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down the latest housing market data and explains why housing activity remains under pressure despite signs that the decline is beginning to stabilize. With affordability challenges, elevated mortgage rates, and existing home sales hovering near levels seen during the 2008-09 financial crisis, what does the outlook hold for builders, suppliers, and businesses tied to housing?

Will improving trends in 2026 be enough to spark a meaningful recovery, or is the housing market facing a longer road ahead?

🔗 Register here for our upcoming webinar "Winning US States for the 2030s" → https://hubs.ly/Q04dnhxM0

📊 Trends Report Free Preview → https://hubs.la/Q03ybVV00

This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down a week packed with economic data, including a stronger-than-expected jobs report, elevated CPI and PPI inflation readings, and what they mean for the Federal Reserve's next move. As markets increasingly price out rate cuts, Lauren examines why the conversation may be shifting toward higher interest rates instead.

She also explores the European Central Bank's surprise rate hike and what it could signal for the global inflation outlook. If you're trying to understand where interest rates, inflation, and economic growth are headed next, this episode highlights the key trends business leaders should be watching.

Do you think the Fed's next move could be a rate increase rather than a rate cut?

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