The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors applauded the Supreme Court's decision to walk back the so-called Chevron deference. NAW filed an amicus brief in the case that argued the statute allowed federal agencies like the National Labor Relations Board to "continuously realign federal labor law with its vacillating political views." NAW CEO Eric Hoplin said the Supreme Court decision brings "clarity and fairness to the regulatory process" and "ensures agencies do not exceed intended authority" by ending the "overreaching power" granted to regulators.

US construction spending in May unexpectedly dropped 0.1% to an annual rate of $2.14 trillion, compared with a revised increase of 0.3% to $2.142 trillion in April, according to the Commerce Department. The drop was driven by a 0.3% decline in private construction spending, along with decreases in residential and nonresidential construction. Public construction increased 0.5%, with educational construction gains offsetting highway construction declines.

Operational readiness is a prime factor for shippers to be proactive about as hurricane season is predicted to be very busy, writes Jenny Vander Zanden from Breakthrough. Have a plan to make decisions about fuel and freight based on abundant data, think about alternative fuel reimbursement methods such as a market-based program and think strategically about relationships with carriers, writes Vander Zanden.

US consumer sentiment declined in June, but the final reading was revised upward to 68.2 from the preliminary figure of 65.6, according to the University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers. Annual inflation expectations cooled to 3%, the lowest level in three months. However, consumers remain concerned about high prices on their household finances and a cooling labor market.

Incorporating AI is a primary focus for supply chain leaders amid concurrent challenges of economic instability, extreme weather and geopolitical strain, according to a CGI report that found 87.4% of respondents consider "visibility, transparency and traceability" the most important resilience factors. Local production and security, along with environmental, social and corporate governance were reported as less essential.

The US Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Retail Federation joined a group of around 150 industry leaders calling on the White House to urge dockworkers and port operators to resume labor talks, saying work stoppages would be detrimental to the economy. "[T]he last thing the supply chain, companies and employees -- all of which rely on the movement of goods, both imports and exports, through our East Coast and Gulf Coast ports -- need is a strike or other disruptions because of an ongoing labor negotiation," the representatives said in a letter.

Any time of year can be a good time of year to close sales, writes sales expert Colleen Francis, especially if competitors aren't making calls. Francis encourages salespeople to reach out during the "off-season" because customers will be slightly more relaxed and will have time to talk about their needs.

When you have a flexible mindset and a plan, you can handle unexpected events better, especially if you have learned from past surprises, are financially prepared and have the support you need, writes Steve Keating. There are eight areas you should pay attention to, notes Keating, including honing your problem-solving skills, staying informed about your industry and being proactive about potential risks.

Corporate America faces its highest earnings bar in nearly three years as it prepares to report second-quarter results, according to Goldman Sachs strategists. S&P 500 firms are expected to see a 9% profit rise, the largest since Q4 2021. However, the reward for beating earnings estimates will likely be smaller due to elevated consensus forecasts.

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