This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain is joined by Senior Economist and Consultant Tara Bayke to examine the health of the US consumer. Retail sales continue to grow, but a closer look reveals a widening divide between income groups as essential costs and credit card pressures affect consumers differently. What does this K-shaped economy mean for businesses over the next few years?

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain examines where global industrial production is growing today and why today's strongest-performing economies may not be the best strategic locations for the decade ahead. Learn which regions are expected to improve through 2026, which face increasing challenges, and what global businesses should consider when planning for the 2030s. Could your long-term strategy be focused on the wrong markets?

2025 Webinar "Global Ramifications of the 2030s Depression" → https://itrondemand.com/store/product/global-ramifications-2030s-depression

This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Connor Lokar breaks down the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady and why Chairman Kevin Warsh says it's time for markets to "play the ball, not the referee." As businesses continue navigating inflation uncertainty, slowing economic growth, and pressure on consumers, what should leaders actually be paying attention to? Connor explains why the Fed is stepping back from forward guidance, what recent GDP data signals about the economy, and what to watch as we head into the fall.

Are markets focused on the right signals, or are they paying too much attention to every word from the Fed?

👍 Like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments: What economic indicator are you watching most closely right now?

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain explains how different sectors are moving through the business cycle and what that means for your business in 2027. While parts of the economy continue to grow, leading indicators suggest conditions are changing. Learn why relying on today's momentum could lead to costly planning mistakes and what businesses should focus on instead. Watch to see what the latest economic signals could mean for your strategy.

his week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Connor Lokar previews next week's Federal Reserve meeting and explains why renewed geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices, and higher Treasury yields could reshape expectations for interest rates. As markets adjust to fresh inflation risks, what should business leaders and decision-makers be watching now?

If you're trying to understand how today's economic headlines could affect borrowing costs, business planning, and the outlook for the rest of the year, this episode breaks down the key developments and what they could mean moving forward.

Will the Fed stay on hold, or could the conversation shift in an unexpected direction?

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