The Conference Board's Leading Economic Index inched upward 0.1% last month, the first increase in the forward-looking economic gauge in two years. Increased manufacturing employment, rising stock prices and residential construction fueled the positive momentum, but concerns about economic growth in the coming quarters remain amid rising consumer debt and high interest rates. "Despite February's increase, the Index still suggests some headwinds to growth going forward," said Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, senior manager of business cycle indicators at The Conference Board.

Sales of previously owned homes in February rose 9.5% from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 4.38 million units, the second consecutive month of rising sales and the most significant monthly increase since February 2023, according to the National Association of Realtors. Housing inventory increased 5.9% from January to 1.07 million units, easing pressure in the tight market.

Electrical distributor Sonepar is acquiring two Michigan-based distributors with three dozen locations in the state. Deals for Warren-based Madison Electric and Saginaw-based Standard Electric are expected to close by the end of April following regulatory review. Both entities are family-owned businesses that have been in operation for more than a century, and the pair combined to generate about $400 million in revenue last year.

The US warehouse industry is booming, and so are workplace injuries, which means employers must adopt a data-driven approach to understanding why injuries happen and create a strong safety culture. Companies can create a safety-first culture through steps that include training to help workers recognize common hazards, understanding how ergonomics can help create a safer environment and encouraging near-miss reporting.

A report from the Clean Freight Coalition estimates that the cost of installing infrastructure to support an all-electric commercial truck fleet in the US would be up to $1 trillion. Charging facilities alone would cost at least $620 billion, and $370 billion would be required for utilities to increase their grid capacity to meet the increased demand, according to the report.

Margaret Lee, head of marketing at Belkins, explains how she revamped her content marketing team to find business-to-business writers who can create quality bottom-of-the-funnel content. Lee outlines the right skills to seek, where to find talent and how to effectively manage their work.

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged after its March meeting, but officials indicated three rate cuts are still expected this year. The Fed also slightly boosted its inflation forecast, with a core personal consumption expenditures index of 2.6%, up from a previous 2.4%, and higher real gross domestic product growth, up to 2.1%.

Employers have the upper hand right now with pay increases and remote work mandates, according to a new survey from Payscale. The data show that fewer employers plan to give raises this year -- 79% compared to 86% last year -- and that in-person work is up to 31%, an increase from 27% last year.

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The difference between leading and lagging distribution companies often rests on the performance of their sales teams. Join Doug Wyatt (SPARXiQ) and industry sales leaders Joe Velleman (Mid-City Supply) and Jeff Weiss (Livingston & Haven) in this panel discussion as they provide insights to help you bridge this gap through strategic upskilling. Register here.

The NAW Company Roundtables are an exclusive community of thought leaders from Billion Dollar and Large Company distribution enterprises who congregate to network with non-competing peers in multiple lines of trade on key issues. Learn more about the many Roundtable event opportunities we offer, and how your leaders can get involved. Learn more.