US consumer confidence hits 17-month high in June | May sees 0.7% rise in US core capital goods orders | The potential ripple effect of US chip manufacturing
US consumer confidence in June reached its highest point in 17 months, according to The Conference Board's latest survey. Consumers' six-month outlook was the highest recorded this year and their view of current conditions was the highest in nearly two years. Future expectations remained below levels that indicate an upcoming recession for the 15th time in 16 months.
Orders of US core capital goods inched up 0.7% in May, beating expectations, while orders for durable goods rose 1.7%, according to the Commerce Department. Electrical equipment, appliances and components saw a 1.7% increase, machinery rose 1%, and computers and electronic products inched up 0.3%.
Federal government spending aimed at expediting chip manufacturing in the US coupled with strained international relationships and focused efforts by corporate leaders could boost multiple industries, writes Ben Lussier, vice president of Blue Ribbon Fastener. Automotive, consumer electronics and energy industries are among those with much to gain, writes Lussier, who argues reshoring could shorten supply chains, create a "trickle-down" effect and support US competitiveness.
Strengthening vulnerabilities in supply chain design is one way to prepare for challenges such as cost fluctuations, writes Allan Dow, president of Logility. Dow also emphasizes incorporating integrated business planning to avoid silos and using digital platforms to monitor performance on environmental, social and governance standards.
The FDA has released new answers to frequently asked questions, as well as a group of new tools, to help members of the food industry better understand and implement the Food Traceability Rule that will take effect on Jan. 20, 2026. The new tools include a guide to getting started, additional foreign language translations and eight new examples of supply chains that demonstrate how the rule will be applied in different cases.
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Top trends in business-to-business influencer marketing include the use of video content and collaborating with microinfluencers, SmartBrief's Melinda Hansbury writes. B2B marketers should look to develop long-term relationships with creators and embrace podcasting as a way "to showcase their expertise more conversationally and engagingly," Hansbury writes.
The savviest sales leaders will embrace -- and stay on top of -- artificial intelligence to continually make the most of its advances for sales teams, writes Zach Drollinger, senior sales director Coursedog. Leaders also will remember that AI has flaws and limitations, and they'll prepare their teams to interact with what likely will be the best informed buyers ever, Drollinger says.
Nearly 90% of employees in the US and 68% of those in several European countries say they want to work with companies that share their values, according to LinkedIn research, and 55% aren't willing to settle for less even if a pay raise is offered. Tools like Commitments from LinkedIn can help job hunters learn if prospective employers share their values, S. Chris Edmonds says.
Workers are as interested in joining a company that offers happiness and fulfillment as they are in good pay and benefits, writes John Rampton, founder of Calendar. To attract and keep employees, share business information when possible, set a positive example for workplace interaction and help employees to pursue their interests, Rampton writes.
