ITR Economics
ITR Economics delivers data-driven economic insight that helps leaders cut through the media noise, anticipate change, and make confident decisions. Our conversations translate complex trends, policy shifts, and market dynamics into clear, actionable guidance grounded in objective analysis and long-term forecasting. Designed for executives and decision-makers, our content clarifies what’s happening now and what’s coming next, so that you can better prepare your business strategy. Tune in today.
10
Will the Fed Hold Rates Higher for Longer? What Rising Producer Prices Signal | Fed Watch
This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Brian Beaulieu examines why rising producer prices and ongoing global uncertainty may keep the Federal Reserve from cutting interest rates in 2026. With inflation pressures tied to oil and commodities still building, many businesses are struggling to separate headlines from reality. Brian breaks down what the data actually shows, why the Fed may stay cautious, and how shifting expectations could impact your planning strategy. He also shares insight into bond market stress, employment trends, and what companies should be doing now to protect margins before inflation accelerates again. If you are trying...
Manufacturing Rebounds, But Rising Uncertainty Threatens 2026 Growth | TrendsTalk
This week on TrendsTalk, ITR Economist Taylor St. Germain breaks down encouraging signs in manufacturing and capital expenditure growth, offering a much-needed positive outlook after a prolonged downturn. But with economic uncertainty beginning to rise again, how confident should businesses be in their 2026 plans? Learn what the latest data is signaling, where growth is coming from, and what risks could impact your strategy moving forward.
Fed Holds Rates, But Could Hikes Return? What the Market Is Missing | Fed Watch
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...
Oil Prices Surge Above $100. What’s the 2026 Outlook? | TrendsTalk
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 Ec...
Oil, Inflation, and Interest Rates: Why the Fed’s Job Just Got Harder | Fed Watch
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 p...
Why Commercial Construction Could Rebound Later This Year | TrendsTalk
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
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 mov...
Electricity Infrastructure: Data Centers, Renewables, and the 2030 Outlook | TrendsTalk
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
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 pr...
Labor Market Slowing in 2026, But Wage Pressures Remain Elevated | TrendsTalk
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?
