The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index showed US consumer sentiment remained steady following Donald Trump's election win, with rising optimism among Republicans balancing a drop in confidence among Democrats. The index increased slightly to 71.8 in November. Inflation expectations declined to 2.6% for the coming year, the lowest in nearly four years.

In the second installment of the Executive Input blog, Kim Phelan details a semiconductors and electronics components distributor's focus on creating a seamless omni-channel experience for its B2B customers. Part of the company's strategy is allowing customers to choose how they interact and working to reduce friction through automation and AI. The approach is aimed at remaining customer-centric and relationship-focused in a competitive market.

The US economic picture remained mixed in November, with services thriving while manufacturing struggled to gain traction. While the S&P services PMI hit a 32-month high of 57.0, manufacturing lagged at 48.8, signaling ongoing weakness despite hints of broader growth. "The prospect of lower interest rates and a more pro-business approach from the incoming administration has fueled greater optimism," says Chris Williamson, S&P chief business economist.

Quikrete has agreed to acquire Summit Materials in a deal that values Summit at around $11.5 billion. Quikrete will pay $52.50 a share in cash, about 30% higher than when news of a potential deal first broke. The tie-up comes amid an uptick in deal making and creates a leading construction materials producer in North America.

Modern transportation management systems are transforming logistics by optimizing routes, reducing costs and enhancing adaptability, writes Bryant Smith, director of product management at Manhattan Associates. These systems use advanced algorithms to recommend efficient transportation routes, cutting fuel consumption and operational expenses. Integration with warehouse management systems further streamlines operations, aligning transportation with warehouse activities for improved delivery times.

Lengthy regional shutdowns during Chinese New Year are among the three potential disruptions to international trade in 2025 identified by Averitt. Complications in contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association and the US Maritime Alliance are another, along with any tariffs the Trump administration may impose. Businesses should prepare by maintaining proactive communication, securing freight space early and diversifying shipping modes.

Anthony Iannarino outlines eight common mistakes in sales and leadership, offering insights to avoid them for better success. For sales leaders, he stresses the need for realistic expectations of team effort, careful hiring and protecting the sales team from distractions.

Make 2025 a momentous year by adopting a Momentum Framework that focuses on 90-day sprints rather than a 365-day marathon, writes Michael Watkins, a professor of leadership at the IMD Business School. "This approach represents a fundamental shift from yearly rigid planning to a more responsive model that enables organizations to adapt while maintaining strategic direction," Watkins writes.

Health care benefit costs are projected to rise by 10.2% in 2025, driven by inflation, health care worker shortages and increased demand for new medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, according to a WTW report. Employers are expected to implement cost-cutting strategies, such as pharmacy benefit management and network strategies favoring lower-cost providers.

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