ITR Economics

Latest Episodes:

Fed Dynamics Shift in 2026 | Fed Watch Jan 02, 2026

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This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down why inflation is becoming the Fed’s dominant concern as we enter 2026. She unpacks the latest Fed meeting minutes, growing dissent within the FOMC, and what a more hawkish voting lineup could mean for interest rate policy. Lauren also explores why the U.S. consumer remains resilient, how upcoming tax refunds could provide short-term support, and why now is the time for businesses to revisit pricing strategies as CPI pressures build. What risks should business leaders be watching most closely this year?

Inflation Outlook for 2026: Rising Costs, Pricing Pressure, and Margin Risk | TrendsTalk Dec 29, 2025

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain breaks down why inflation is expected to accelerate into 2026 and what it means for business margins, pricing strategy, and profitability. Producer costs are rising, consumer inflation is picking up, and interest rate flexibility may be limited. What should leaders be watching now, and how can organizations prepare before cost pressures intensify?

Preparing for the 2030 Depression: Markets Positioned to Perform Better | TrendsTalk Dec 22, 2025

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain shares a long-term economic outlook that every business leader should be planning for now. With strong GDP and Industrial Production growth expected through 2029, the real risk is not the next few years but how prepared your business will be when the downturn arrives around 2030. Learn which markets are positioned to outperform, why waiting to react is costly, and how today’s growth cycle creates rare opportunities for diversification, market share gains, and strategic acquisitions. Are you using the next four years wisely? Click here to buy our webinar, Strategic Shifts for Resiliency in the 2030s Great Depression, here → https://hubs.la/Q03VQwhz0

Jobs Data, Sticky Inflation, and What 2026 Could Mean for Your Business | Fed Watch Dec 19, 2025

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December 19, 2025 This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down the latest U.S. jobs report and what softer headline growth is really signaling beneath the surface. She also examines why inflation remains stubbornly above the Fed’s target, what recent CPI data suggests about a turning point ahead, and how rising cost pressures could impact pricing strategies in 2026. Plus, Lauren looks ahead to GDP, business spending, and why uncertainty may finally be easing as we move into the new year. What should business leaders be preparing for now? Click here to buy our webinar, Strategic Shifts for Resiliency in the 2030s Great Depression, here → https://hubs.la/Q03VQwhz0

Rising Electricity Costs and the Data Center Boom | TrendsTalk Dec 15, 2025

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down why electricity costs are rising and how data center expansion is reshaping the economic landscape heading into 2026. As inflation pressures build and power infrastructure strains intensify, electricity is emerging as a top input cost for many businesses. Where are the risks, and where are the opportunities for growth despite higher costs? Click here to buy our webinar, Strategic Shifts for Resiliency in the 2030s Great Depression, here → https://hubs.la/Q03VQwhz0

The Fed’s Split Decision and What It Signals | Fed Watch Dec 12, 2025

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December 12, 2025 This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker unpacks the Fed’s latest rate cut. Is the real story hiding between the lines? With committee views drifting apart and borrowing costs sticking higher than many expected, the outlook is anything but settled. Are the Fed’s inflation assumptions on track, or is the bond market seeing something they’re not? Tune in for our unbiased answers. Click here to buy our webinar, Strategic Shifts for Resiliency in the 2030s Great Depression, here → https://hubs.la/Q03VQwhz0

Consumer Spending Strengthens as 2026 Growth Approaches | TrendsTalk Dec 08, 2025

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain assesses the health of the U.S. consumer and what the latest data means for companies preparing for 2026. Consumer spending continues to rise at a pace above inflation, delinquency rates remain below financial crisis levels, and a growing share of households are paying off full credit card balances.

Will the End of Quantitative Tightening BOOST the Economy? | Fed Watch Dec 05, 2025

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December 5, 2025 This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker breaks down a pivotal moment for monetary policy as markets price in a likely rate cut ahead of next week’s meeting. With government data delayed by the shutdown, businesses are left navigating uncertainty and relying on less-predictive private-sector indicators. Lauren also highlights major Federal Reserve data revisions that could reshape how leaders interpret historical trends, plus new political developments that may influence future Fed leadership and independence. If your business is interest rate sensitive, this episode offers timely context to help you prepare for rate-driven risks and opportunities. What change in policy would impact you most? Join us for our upcoming webinar to discover the essential tools and strategies you will need → https://hubs.la/Q03VQwhz0

Why 2026 Is Shaping Up To Be a Strong Growth Year | TrendsTalk Dec 01, 2025

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Michael Feuz explains why 2026 is setting up to deliver more economic growth than 2025. He highlights the key “ingredients of growth” already in motion, from resilient consumer spending to rising B2B activity and expanding corporate cash levels. Michael also addresses a critical pain point for leaders: margin pressures that will intensify as growth accelerates. How should businesses prepare for this next phase? Tune in for guidance on capacity planning, efficiency, and protecting the bottom line. What steps are you taking to get ready?

What Leading Indicators Show for 2026 Commercial Construction | TrendsTalk Nov 24, 2025

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This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist and Speaker Taylor St. Germain breaks down the latest data on US Private Nonresidential Construction and explains why the current downturn is expected to remain mild. Taylor highlights what the most reliable leading indicators are telling us and outlines when businesses should begin preparing for the next growth cycle in 2026.

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