ITR Economics

Latest Episodes:

Fed Holds Rates, But Could Hikes Return? What the Market Is Missing | Fed Watch Mar 20, 2026

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This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down why the Fed held rates steady and what shifting market expectations signal for the year ahead. With rate cuts now pushed further into the future, many business leaders are asking: are we prepared for higher-for-longer interest rates? Lauren explores the growing possibility that the Fed’s next move may not be a cut at all. She also unpacks rising oil prices, inflation risks, and why today’s energy costs may not hit the economy as hard as in the past. Plus, insight into internal Fed debates and what leadership uncertainty could mean for policy direction. Are markets underestimating the risk of sustained or even rising rates?

Oil Prices Surge Above $100. What’s the 2026 Outlook? | TrendsTalk Mar 16, 2026

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down the recent surge in oil prices following escalating tensions in the Middle East and what it means for businesses and consumers. With oil briefly pushing above $100 per barrel, many leaders are asking whether this spike signals sustained inflation and economic pressure. Taylor shares ITR Economics’ updated oil price forecast and explains why history suggests these price spikes may not last as long as headlines imply. He also explores how higher energy prices could affect consumer spending, retail sales, and business margins in the months ahead. Join ITR Economics Chief Economist Brian Beaulieu and Senior Forecaster Connor Lokar in our Executive Webinar on March 20 → https://itrondemand.com/store/product/profitless-prosperity

Oil, Inflation, and Interest Rates: Why the Fed’s Job Just Got Harder | Fed Watch Mar 13, 2026

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Want to Learn about having "you're own" ITR Economist on your team?→ https://promotions.itreconomics.com/en-us/insights-from-itr-economics Don't miss our Executive Webinar on March 20th→ https://itrondemand.com/store/product/profitless-prosperity This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the latest inflation data and what it means for the Federal Reserve’s next move. With CPI and Core CPI still running above the Fed’s target, inflation remains stubbornly persistent, raising new questions for businesses and consumers alike. Lauren also examines how rising geopolitical tensions and potential disruptions in global oil supply could influence energy prices and consumer budgets. While the impact may be temporary, the combination of higher energy costs and growing electricity demand from AI and data centers could complicate the Fed’s path toward rate cuts. What does this mean for inflation trends, business planning, and the likelihood of interest rate relief this year? Watch the full episode to understand the forces shaping the economic outlook and what to watch next. 00:02 – Inflation remains sticky: CPI and Core CPI update 00:42 – Middle East tensions and risks to global oil supply 02:12 – How higher energy prices impact consumers 03:25 – Why energy costs matter less than they used to 04:05 – AI, data centers, and rising electricity demand 04:45 – What sticky inflation means for Fed rate cuts 05:30 – Other economic data: GDP, housing, and labor market 💬 Do you think the Fed will still be able to cut rates this year if inflation remains sticky?

Why Commercial Construction Could Rebound Later This Year | TrendsTalk Mar 09, 2026

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain shares an update on the commercial construction outlook and why the industry may have already passed its cyclical low. While the data still shows contraction, key leading indicators suggest momentum is building for growth later this year. What signals should contractors and construction suppliers be watching right now? Trends Report Free Preview → https://hubs.la/Q03ybVV00

February Jobs Report: Should Businesses Be Concerned? | Fed Watch Mar 06, 2026

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This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker unpacks February’s surprising jobs report and explains why one weak headline number doesn’t necessarily signal trouble for the economy. With job losses making headlines and uncertainty lingering, many leaders are asking the same question: Is the labor market starting to crack? Lauren breaks down what’s really behind the data, from temporary healthcare job losses to ongoing labor shortages in key industries like manufacturing and construction. She also explores why wages are still rising and what that means for inflation, interest rates, and the Federal Reserve’s next move. For business leaders navigating slower growth and persistent inflation, the bigger risk may be something ITR calls “profitless prosperity.” What does that mean for your strategy in 2026? Are you making decisions based on headlines, or on what the data is actually telling us?

Electricity Infrastructure: Data Centers, Renewables, and the 2030 Outlook | TrendsTalk Mar 02, 2026

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain examines the rapid growth in electricity infrastructure and what it means for your business strategy through 2030. With data center construction in 2025 and record highs in electric power transmission and distribution production, demand for energy is reshaping industrial markets. Rising electricity costs are adding pressure to margins and contributing to inflation in the second half of the decade. How should you position your business to capitalize on electrification growth while protecting profitability? Tune in for the data, the risks, and the long term opportunity.

Hot PPI, Falling Yields, and New Tariffs: Is the Fed Staying Put? | Fed Watch Feb 27, 2026

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This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Connor Locar breaks down January’s hotter-than-expected Producer Price Index report and what it means for interest rates as we head into March. With inflation data coming in warm and money supply growth accelerating at the fastest pace in nearly four years, the likelihood of a near-term rate cut appears to be fading. At the same time, bond yields are dipping below 4 percent, raising new questions about growth expectations and market sentiment. Add in the latest 10 percent tariff action under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, and businesses are once again facing pricing uncertainty. If you are trying to plan capital spending, manage borrowing costs, or protect margins in an environment of persistent inflation pressure, this episode will help you frame what matters most right now. Are markets signaling confidence, or concern?

Labor Market Slowing in 2026, But Wage Pressures Remain Elevated | TrendsTalk Feb 23, 2026

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down the latest labor market data and what it means for your workforce strategy in 2026. While employment growth is slowing, wage inflation remains elevated above historical norms, creating ongoing margin pressure for businesses. We examine industry specific wage trends, regional disparities, and why a role by role and state by state approach is critical in today’s environment. As the economy positions for growth in 2026 and 2027, is now the time to act on hiring and compensation strategy?

Supreme Court Strikes Down Tariffs, Inflation Ticks Up, and GDP Slows | Fed Watch Feb 20, 2026

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This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down a major Supreme Court decision striking down the administration’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, and what that means for inflation, business costs, and economic uncertainty ahead. With fourth quarter GDP coming in at 1.4% and core PCE inflation rising to 3%, headlines are painting a mixed picture. Is growth really faltering? Are inflation pressures reaccelerating? And how should business leaders interpret the latest data amid shifting trade policy? Lauren unpacks what is signal versus noise, why government shutdown effects matter, and why inflation may not fade as quickly as some hope. Most importantly, she explains why the tariff ruling does not automatically mean lower prices for businesses and consumers. If you are navigating margin pressure, pricing strategy decisions, or concerns about profitless prosperity, this episode offers critical context. What does this ruling really mean for your cost structure in 2026?

US Housing Forecast Downgraded for 2026 as Affordability Crisis Persists | TrendsTalk Feb 16, 2026

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down the downgrade to the 2026 US Single-Unit Housing Starts forecast. Despite lower mortgage rates and moderating home prices, affordability challenges remain a major headwind for builders, buyers, and industry suppliers. Why are most states still facing income deficits when it comes to buying a home? When will meaningful recovery begin? And which regions are positioned to outperform even in a down cycle? Tune in for the data-driven outlook and strategic insights to help you plan for 2026 and beyond. How is your region preparing for continued housing market pressure?

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