ITR Economics

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How Businesses Should Use State Economic Rankings | TrendsTalk Jul 06, 2026

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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 customercare@itreconomics.com 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

The K-Shaped Economy Explained: What It Means for Your Business | TrendsTalk Jun 29, 2026

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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

The Fed's Next Move Is Becoming Clearer. Here's Why. | Fed Watch Jun 26, 2026

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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.

The Best and Worst States for the 2030s Depression | TrendsTalk Jun 22, 2026

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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

New Fed Chair, New Direction? | Fed Watch Jun 19, 2026

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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?

Housing Market Outlook as Affordability Challenges Persist | TrendsTalk Jun 15, 2026

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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

Rate Cuts Off the Table? The Case for Higher Rates | Fed Watch Jun 12, 2026

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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? #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #Economy #FedWatch #EconomicForecast #JobsReport #CPI #PPI #ITREconomics

Data Center Boom Continues, But New Risks Are Emerging Jun 08, 2026

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain examines the rapid growth of US data center construction and why the industry remains a key economic bright spot. While forecasts call for continued expansion through 2028, new challenges surrounding energy infrastructure, electricity costs, and proposed legislation could reshape the outlook. Will data center growth continue at its current pace, or are early warning signs beginning to emerge? 🔗 Register here for our upcoming webinar "Winning US States for the 2030s" → https://hubs.ly/Q04dnhxM0 2025 Executive webinar, "Strategic Shifts for Resiliency in the 2030s Great Depression" → https://itrondemand.com/store/product/strategic-shifts-resiliency-2030s

Trimmed Mean PCE: The Inflation Metric Gaining Attention at the Fed | Fed Watch Jun 05, 2026

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This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down Trimmed Mean PCE, the inflation measure drawing increased attention from Federal Reserve policymakers. With inflation signals sending mixed messages, businesses and investors face a growing challenge: which data should they trust when assessing future interest rate decisions? Lauren explains how Trimmed Mean PCE works, why some policymakers favor it, and what it could mean for the Fed's approach to inflation going forward. Could this lesser-known metric become a more influential guide for monetary policy? Watch to learn what makes it different and why it matters.

Producer Inflation Forecast Raised: What Businesses Need to Know Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain explains why ITR Economics has upgraded its Producer Price Index (PPI) forecast for 2026 from 3.4% to 5.0%. Rising commodity costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and supply chain pressures are creating new challenges for businesses trying to protect margins and maintain profitability. How should companies adjust their pricing strategy when key inputs like copper, aluminum, and oil are rising much faster than overall inflation? Tune in as Taylor breaks down the latest outlook and what it means for business leaders planning for the years ahead. 🔗 Register here for our webinar "Winning US States for the 2030s" → https://hubs.ly/Q04dnhxM0 Trends Report Free Preview → https://hubs.la/Q03ybVV00

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