ITR Economics

Latest Episodes:

Forget Rate Cuts? Why Businesses Need to Prepare for Higher Rates | Fed Watch May 29, 2026

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This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the latest GDP revision, persistent inflation pressures, and why expectations for future Fed policy may be shifting in a surprising direction. Many business leaders are waiting for lower interest rates before making major investment decisions. But what if that wait no longer makes sense? Lauren explores what the latest economic data is signaling, why inflation remains stubbornly elevated, and how changing market expectations could impact capital spending decisions heading into the second half of the year. Could the next Fed move be a rate hike instead of a rate cut? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.

What the New Fed Chair Means for Inflation and Borrowing Costs | TrendsTalk May 25, 2026

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain sits down with Lauren Saidel-Baker to discuss what a new Fed chair could mean for inflation, interest rates, and business strategy heading into 2030. With inflation remaining stubbornly high and bond markets signaling concern, should businesses rethink their borrowing and investment plans before rates move even higher? Could the next move from the Fed actually be another rate hike? 🔗 Register here for our webinar "Winning US States for the 2030s" → https://hubs.ly/Q04dnhxM0 Connect with us on LinkedIn! ITR → https://www.linkedin.com/company/itr-economics/ Taylor → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tstg/ Lauren → https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-saidel-baker/

Fed Minutes Reveal Growing Divide on Interest Rates | Fed Watch May 22, 2026

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This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the latest Federal Reserve meeting minutes and the growing divide inside the Fed over the future direction of interest rates. While markets continue searching for clues about future rate cuts, new dissents from Fed officials reveal deeper concerns about persistent inflation and the path forward under incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. Lauren explains why these disagreements matter for businesses, investors, and economic planning, and what the structure of the Federal Open Market Committee could mean for future policy decisions. As uncertainty around inflation and monetary policy continues, understanding how these internal Fed debates shape economic outcomes is becoming increasingly important. Could shifting dynamics inside the Fed change the direction of interest rates sooner than markets expect?

Preparing Your Business for the 2030 Downturn Starts Now | TrendsTalk May 18, 2026

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain is joined by Economist and Consultant Speaker Derek Stanley to discuss how businesses should prepare for the economic realities of the 2030s. While growth opportunities remain strong over the next four years, relying on linear planning could leave companies exposed when conditions shift. In this episode, we break down the importance of cash flow management, debt reduction, resilient industries, and geographic strategy as businesses position themselves for long-term success. Which industries may hold up better during the next major downturn? And what steps should leaders be taking today to protect their companies tomorrow? 🔗 Register here for our webinar "Winning US States for the 2030s" → https://hubs.ly/Q04dnhxM0

Inflation Rises Again: Will the Fed Hike Rates? | Fed Watch May 15, 2026

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This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the latest inflation data and why April’s hotter-than-expected CPI and PPI reports are raising new concerns for businesses and policymakers alike. Lauren explains what persistent inflation means for margins, borrowing costs, and future Fed decisions as Kevin Warsh prepares to step into the Fed Chair role. Could the next move from the Federal Reserve actually be a rate hike instead of a cut? If your business is struggling with rising costs, shrinking margins, or uncertainty around capital investment decisions, this episode highlights the key economic signals you should be watching right now. Do you think the Fed’s next move will be to hold rates steady, cut, or raise them again? #FederalReserve #Inflation #InterestRates #Economy #FedWatch #BusinessStrategy #EconomicOutlook #LaurenSaidelBaker

Why the National Debt Still Signals Trouble for the 2030s | TrendsTalk May 11, 2026

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain revisits the long-term 2030 economic outlook and explains why rising national debt remains one of the biggest risks facing the US economy. With debt levels climbing, interest payments surging, and demographic pressures building, what does this mean for businesses trying to plan ahead? Taylor breaks down the key drivers behind ITR Economics’ 2030 forecast, including transfer payments, debt-to-GDP concerns, and the economic impact of an aging population. Most importantly, he shares why business leaders should start preparing now rather than waiting for warning signs later. For a deeper dive into ITR Economics’ 2030 forecast and preparation strategies, visit → https://itreconomics.com/2030s-great-depression/

Fed Officials Are Sounding the Inflation Alarm Again | Fed Watch May 08, 2026

Show notes

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.

Population Shifts Are Changing Business Opportunities in 2025 | TrendsTalk May 04, 2026

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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

Fed Leadership Shake-Up, Sticky Inflation, and AI Investment Trends May 01, 2026

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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?

Why Supply Chain Pressure Is Increasing and What It Means for You | TrendsTalk Apr 27, 2026

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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.

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