The US economy grew at a 3% annual rate in the second quarter, driven by robust business investment and consumer spending, per data from the Commerce Department. Business investment grew at an annualized rate of 8.3% thanks to strong capital investment, while consumer spending remained strong at a year-on-year rate of 2.8%. "The economy is in pretty good shape,'' says Bill Adams, chief economist at Comerica Bank.

The recent MDM SHIFT Conference in Denver focused on strategies for change management in sales, digital transformation and data analytics. MDM Senior Editor Vesna Brajkovic discusses key lessons and takeaways from the conference on the MDM Podcast with Mike Hockett, including reflections on case studies and analysis that were presented, and looks ahead to the next conference, scheduled for spring 2025.

With an Oct. 1 strike deadline looming, the US Maritime Alliance filed unfair labor practice charges against the International Longshoreman's Association, asking the National Labor Relations Board to compel the union, which represents East and Gulf Coast dockworkers, to resume contract negotiations on a new contract. Negotiations have been stalled since June amid disagreements on wages and the use of automation.

The job of truck driving has evolved from a largely independent role to one under constant monitoring, thanks to in-cab video systems, telematics and AI. These systems, while enhancing safety and offering training opportunities, have also sparked privacy concerns among drivers. The trucking industry is now navigating the challenge of maintaining driver autonomy while leveraging technology for improved safety and operational efficiency.

Despite heavy attention in recent years, sustainability is gaining a negative reputation in some circles, and Bain & Co. reports corporate investment in sustainability is declining amid misconceptions about costs and competing priorities. Resistance to change and lack of leadership buy-in also hinder progress, writes Stephan Liozu, co-founder of consulting firm Pricing for the Planet. Despite these challenges, Liozu argues that overcoming barriers to sustainability can unlock long-term benefits such as cost savings, improved efficiency and enhanced reputation.

AI is excellent at predicting, uncovering consumer insights and performing tasks like summarization, but is average at best at creative ideation and writing because it lacks human originality, writes Napier CEO Mike Maynard. "'Average' is not what we're aiming for," Maynard writes, adding, "People who use and exploit AI for its numerous actual capabilities rather than overhype its capabilities will be the winners in this new world of AI-augmented marketing."

Central banks from the US to Europe are aligned in cutting interest rates, marking a significant shift in the post-pandemic global financial landscape. However, the duration and extent of this easing cycle remain uncertain as policymakers mull higher underlying rates. Many experts believe the neutral rate will likely be higher than pre-pandemic levels, potentially impacting future borrowing costs for mortgages and loans.

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