ITR Economics

This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the growing divide inside the Federal Reserve as more officials begin raising concerns about persistent inflation and the future of rate cuts.

Lauren explains why recent inflation pressures may be more structural than temporary, how Middle East conflict is impacting oil prices and supply chains, and what weakening consumer trends could mean for the broader economy moving forward.

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down the latest 2025 population growth data and what it means for business strategy. As migration trends shift and previously declining states rebound, where should you be focusing your expansion efforts? Understanding where people are moving is critical in today’s tight labor market and evolving economic landscape. Are you positioned where demand is growing?

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

This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down a major leadership transition at the Federal Reserve and what it could mean for policy direction in the months ahead. With Jerome Powell stepping down as Chair but remaining on the Board, questions around influence and continuity are front and center.

She also examines the latest GDP data, highlighting the growing role of AI-driven business investment, and explains why inflation remains more persistent than many expected. If you are trying to understand where the economy is headed and what risks could impact your planning, this episode offers key insights without the noise.

Could a leadership shift at the Fed quietly reshape monetary policy? And what does stubborn inflation mean for your business strategy?

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down the return of global supply chain pressure and what it means for businesses heading into 2026. As geopolitical tensions disrupt key trade routes and demand continues to grow, many companies risk being caught off guard by longer lead times and rising uncertainty.

What does the latest data say about where supply chains are headed and how should your business prepare? Tune in for key insights and forward-looking analysis.

This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the latest retail sales data and what it reveals about consumer resilience despite rising energy costs. With gasoline prices surging, many businesses are questioning whether demand can hold and how long margin pressure may persist.

Lauren also examines growing political tensions surrounding the Federal Reserve, including leadership transition uncertainty and what it could mean for future interest rate direction. As confirmation battles unfold, businesses are left navigating an increasingly unclear policy environment.

🔔 UPDATE: Since taping this episode, the Justice Department has dropped its criminal probe into Chair Jerome Powell. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that the Fed’s inspector general will instead review cost overruns tied to recent building renovations. This development removes a key hurdle in Kevin Warsh’s confirmation process, as discussed in this episode.

If you are planning for the second half of the year, understanding the balance between pricing pressure and consumer demand is critical. Don’t miss our upcoming webinar on state-by-state opportunities and US Consumer trends. Save your seat today → https://itrondemand.com/store/product/winning-states-2030s

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain is joined by fellow Economist Tara Bayke to break down the growing risk of “profitless prosperity.” As the economy expands through 2026 and beyond, many businesses may see rising revenues but shrinking margins due to persistent cost pressures.

From surging material and energy costs to labor challenges and AI investment, where should leaders focus to protect profitability? And what role will the Federal Reserve play as inflation pressures continue?

Tune in for a timely discussion on how to prepare for growth while safeguarding your bottom line. Are you ready to grow profitably in the years ahead?

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This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the growing uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve leadership and what it could mean for market stability. With questions around Chair Powell’s term, potential legal challenges, and political pressure, businesses are left wondering how much confidence they can place in the Fed’s independence.

Lauren also highlights a key economic indicator tied to business-to-business investment that is showing stronger-than-expected momentum. What does this signal about the direction of the economy and future demand?

If you are trying to plan ahead in an environment shaped by both political uncertainty and shifting economic signals, this episode offers critical insights without the noise.

Will markets continue to trust the Fed if political pressure intensifies?

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down how AI is reshaping the labor market and why white-collar industries are seeing a different impact than blue-collar sectors. While many businesses are investing heavily in AI, layoffs and workforce shifts are not happening evenly across the economy.

What does this mean for hiring, wages, and long-term workforce strategy? And why are some industries seeing more stability despite ongoing labor shortages?

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This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down a major data week, including a downward revision to fourth quarter GDP and a sharp rise in inflation driven by geopolitical tensions.

With CPI climbing and energy prices surging unevenly across markets, business leaders are facing a key challenge: how to manage rising costs without eroding demand. Lauren explores what these inflation pressures mean for pricing strategies, consumer behavior, and the broader economic outlook.

While headlines point to volatility, the bigger question remains: will the Fed hold steady, cut rates, or be forced to act more aggressively?

Watch now for key insights that can help you navigate uncertainty and make more informed decisions in the months ahead.

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Economist Taylor St. Germain breaks down why aerospace and defense are emerging as key growth opportunities while other manufacturing sectors face ongoing challenges. With civilian aircraft production forecasted to grow at a leading pace and defense orders accelerating into 2027, where should businesses be focusing their time and investment?

If your industry is facing slowing demand or uneven recovery, this episode highlights where momentum is building and how to think strategically about diversification.

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