US wholesale distribution revenue growth this year is expected to rise 1.7%, down from the 2.1% estimated in September. The anticipated decrease is primarily due to a significant drop in performance in the oil and gas sector, according to the MDM Forecast, which is based on Census Bureau data. The forecast for 2025 remains unchanged at a 5.7% increase.

Business inventories rose by 0.3% in August, driven by increased retail stocks, according to the Commerce Department. Retail inventories, including motor vehicles, saw notable increases, contributing to the economy's 3.0% annualized growth rate in the second quarter. However, business sales dipped by 0.2% in August, suggesting potential challenges ahead. The closely watched inventory-to-sales ratio inched upward to 1.38.

Industrial production fell 0.3% in September, with manufacturing output declining 0.4%, per Federal Reserve data. Labor disputes and a pair of hurricanes weighed on production. Capacity utilization dropped to 77.5%, missing expectations of 77.8%.

While 62% of supply chain leaders view technology as essential for business growth, 45% struggle to integrate these solutions into daily operations, according to a TMX Transform survey. Despite challenges, companies that have adopted innovations like predictive analytics and sustainable tech report greater growth potential, though many remain uncertain about newer technologies, such as AI and digital twins.

The rise of e-commerce has left warehouse workers facing an increased likelihood of serious injuries, mainly from overexertion, such as heavy lifting and repetitive motions, contact with equipment like forklifts and falls. Injury rates increased by 20% for warehouse workers and 23% for last-mile delivery workers between 2018 and 2022, resulting in almost 4 out of every 100 full-time workers suffering serious injuries in 2022.

As the holidays approach, retailers are increasingly turning to automation and AI to streamline operations and manage costs, with 35% planning to use these technologies to mitigate rising expenses. While 44% of companies plan to reduce seasonal in-store hires, 58% of supply chain leaders aim to increase staffing to handle peak omnichannel demand.

Achieving professionalism in sales requires a commitment to ongoing education and a deep understanding of the company, product, customer and competition, writes Paul Reilly. True sales professionals stand out by holding themselves to high standards and continuously adapting to industry changes, Reilly writes.

The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average reached record highs on Friday, marking their longest winning streak of the year. The S&P 500 rose 0.40% to 5864.67, while the Dow added 36.86 points to close at 43,275.91. The Nasdaq Composite also gained 0.63%, closing at 18,489.55. A lot of the growth is due to deficit spending, said hedge fund manager John Paulson. "The increase in government spending is basically accounting for all the GDP growth that we have this year," he continued. "It's an easy way to get growth in the short term, but it has long-term consequences."

In 2024, many companies have reduced or downplayed their DEI initiatives due to political pressures, but the programs remain a crucial way to attract and retain talent. A Gartner survey revealed that nearly half of supply chain organizations had formal DEI goals in 2023, driven by the need for diverse talent and more equitable procurement, particularly through supplier diversity programs.

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