Prices at the consumer level rose 2.7% from a year earlier in November, aligning with market expectations, while consumer prices increased by 0.3% from the previous month. Key drivers included food and shelter costs, though energy prices showed signs of easing. The report arrives as the Federal Reserve weighs further rate cuts amid rapidly shifting economic conditions.

Judges in Oregon and Washington have blocked the proposed $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, citing concerns over reduced competition and higher prices. Kroger and Albertsons say they are "disappointed in the decisions and are reviewing their options," but one attorney says the "road gets steeper from here."

US small business confidence soared in November to the highest level in over three years, driven by reduced economic uncertainty following the election of Donald Trump, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. The Optimism Index hit 101.7 and the Uncertainty Index decreased to 98 from 110 just one month earlier.

The construction industry is stockpiling materials in anticipation of tariffs under the incoming Trump administration, pushing up demand for outdoor storage capacity. "If suppliers choose to stockpile materials, they will look to increase inventory throughout their supply chain. The easiest and cheapest place to store materials is in outside yards," says one industry insider.

Right-sized packaging allows companies to reduce shipping expenses and waste while improving operational efficiency by using automated, on-demand box creation to fit boxes to orders, reducing the need for multiple box sizes and void-fill materials. Companies that switch to right-sized packaging can save 20% to 30% on freight operations, says Packsize Chief Revenue Officer Brian Reinhart, and the technology can reduce material costs by 38% and labor costs by 88%, says Sparck Technologies Senior Vice President David Gray.

Global shipping rates increased by 6% last week, but were relatively flat from east Asia to the US. The upward trend in global rates is compounded by some carriers introducing general rate increases in anticipation of heightened demand due to the potential port strike in the US.

B2B marketing is gaining attention but faces challenges in embracing creativity, writes Anca Rhone of The MX Group. While B2B has excelled in data-driven efforts, advertising often remains uninspired. Rhone highlights the need for B2B marketers to take risks, use humor and build brand awareness to stand out, noting that tight budgets often lead to conservative approaches.

The US job market is currently stagnant, characterized by low hiring and low layoffs. This environment presents challenges for job seekers as businesses are holding onto their existing workforce, making it difficult to find new opportunities. Despite the unemployment rate being near historical lows, the hiring rate has dropped to its lowest since 2013, contributing to a "lack of churn" in the labor market, Bank of America economists said.

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