New home construction in the US dropped in May to its slowest pace in four years amid continued high interest rates and elevated prices. Housing starts fell 5.5% to a 1.28 million annualized rate, with building permits decreasing 3.8% to a 1.39 million rate, both lows not seen since mid-2020. Slower homebuilding could dampen economic growth and potentially aid the Federal Reserve's efforts to curb inflation.

AFC Industries, an Ohio-based distributor of fasteners and industrial supplies, has acquired Pennsylvania-based Circle Bolt & Nut from Optimas OE Solutions, marking AFC's fourth acquisition this year. The move is expected to help AFC deepen its presence in key areas, and CBN President Jim Castellino says the deal will open new avenues for growth and innovation.

In 2023, US business logistics costs fell by 10% to $2.4 trillion, marking 8.7% of the previous year's GDP, according to the 2024 State of Logistics Report by Kearney for the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. This decline, the first since the pandemic began, was driven by reduced rates in asset-heavy sectors like air cargo and ocean shipping, as well as decreased storage costs due to lower rents, the data shows.

Regional hourly pay for warehouse employees rose by at least 40% in the last five years to $18.99, according to an ITS Logistics report. The upward trend in warehouse wages results in more pressure among companies to integrate automation and technology to keep costs down, says Ryan Martin, president of assets for ITS Logistics

Supply chain resilience can be threatened when industries become dominated by a handful of big companies, say experts including journalist Eric Schlosser, as they may exert enough corporate power to impede regulatory enforcement. The US has been relatively quick to address supply issues related to semiconductors, writes Steve Banker, but much less proactive when consolidation of businesses affects the domestic supply chain.

Among the nine top characteristics of the best modern business-to-business marketers are strategic thinkers, creative vanguards, innovative content strategists and technology trailblazers, according to this infographic from LinkedIn and Ipsos. Two-thirds of B2B leaders are currently using generative AI, while 50% are prioritizing visual content such as infographics and video.

Supply chain careers are increasingly attractive to young professionals due to benefits, rewards and career growth opportunities, but reducing turnover through mentorship, training and career development is crucial as competition for top talent intensifies, write Meredith Moot and Cam Fulton with Korn Ferry. Organizations can attract and retain young supply chain talent by partnering with technical institutions, emphasizing ESG values, offering competitive pay and benefits and providing diverse career development opportunities and mentorship, they write.

Federal Reserve officials have agreed more evidence of falling inflation is required before cutting rates. Governor Adriana Kugler said the bank will likely cut rates "sometime later this year," while Alberto Musalem, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, said it could take "quarters" for data to lead to a cut. New York Fed's John Williams and Richmond Fed's Thomas Barkin also refused to commit to a time frame on when rate reductions are coming.

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