American consumers' outlook on the economy dimmed in February for a second straight month as inflation expectations surged amid uncertainty over trade policies. Consumer sentiment dropped 10% from the previous month, with one-year inflation expectations soaring to 4.3% -- the highest since November 2023, according to the University of Michigan's latest survey. Long-term inflation expectations increased to 3.5%, the highest since the mid-90s.

The Logistics Managers' Index for January rose to 62, the fastest expansion reading since June 2022, driven by a significant increase in inventory levels and costs. "This is the fastest rate of expansion in the overall index in nearly three years, reflecting both the steady growth we have seen across the US economy over the past year ... but also a faster-than-expected increase in inventories due to uncertainty regarding trade regulations," according to the report.

The S&P Global flash US Composite PMI Output Index fell to 50.4 this month from 52.7 in January, marking a near-stalling of business activity as services output declined and payrolls shrank. The separate flash manufacturing gauge edged upward to 51.6 from 51.2 in January, signaling the strongest expansion in eight months, although new order growth weakened.

The autonomous trucking industry is at a turning point, transitioning from experimental phases to practical applications on highways and private sites. Industry leaders say the how-to technology is solved and the focus now is on building scalable, safe products and integrating them into the logistics sector.

Only 29% of supply chain organizations are prepared to meet future demands, according to a recent Gartner survey. These organizations, considered "leaders," emphasize long-term strategic planning and view advanced technology as a key enabler for their future readiness. "Nonleaders" focus more on short-term goals and often invest in technology without a strategic foundation, according to the report.

Creativity is essential in B2B marketing to engage decision-makers who are often mistakenly perceived as purely rational, writes Anca Rhone of The MX Group. Successful campaigns, such as Workday's "Rockstars" and Monday.com's "singing llamas," demonstrate the power of humor and storytelling in capturing attention and forming emotional connections. "In a world where attention is everything, creativity is your sharpest tool," Rhone writes.

Organizations often struggle with implementing change due to a lack of focus on people, instead of a focus on strategies or systems, writes Lisa Collinson from Leading Results. Successful change management requires clear, relevant strategies, streamlined processes and honest communication.

Total M&A value has dropped this year, despite an expected increase in 2025. Buyers are likely delaying their activity due to uncertainty around global economic policy as they wait to see the effect of US tariffs abroad. "Dealmakers and markets are still digesting the outcomes of the elections that took place in many countries during 2024 and the resulting changes to policy direction; in particular, the impact of the new Trump administration in the US," says Brian Levy, global deals leader at PwC US.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, concluding a long and influential career in the US Senate. McConnell played a pivotal role in shaping US policies over his 40 year career. NAW congratulated McConnell, noting he has long been a supporter of free enterprise and defender of the wholesale-distribution industry. "We look forward to working with him in these final two years of his long career, and wish him all the best," NAW said in a statement.

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