The Conference Board's Leading Economic Index fell 0.3% in June to 98.8, a sharper decline than anticipated. The downturn indicates a significant slowdown in the US economy for the second half of the year. Weak consumer expectations, manufacturing orders and rising unemployment claims drove the decline, offsetting a strong stock market rally. The index has fallen 2.8% in the year's first half, outpacing the decline seen at the end of 2024.

Builder confidence in the new single-family home market edged up in July, with the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rising to 33 from 32 in June. Despite the slight improvement, builder sentiment continued a 15-month negative streak, reflecting ongoing challenges such as high interest rates, policy uncertainty and low housing affordability. In a separate report from the Census Bureau, US housing starts rose 4.6% in June from a month earlier but fell 0.5% compared with last year.

Air Liquide will invest $50 million to build a facility in the southeastern US that will produce high-purity oxygen and nitrogen to support the semiconductor industry. The plant is expected to begin operations by the end of 2027 and will help support the growth of domestic chip manufacturing.

The impact of recent tariffs on inflation has been mixed. While prices for imported goods such as furniture and appliances rose in June, a decline in car prices and certain services offset these increases. Some companies are absorbing costs, affecting profit margins, while others, such as Fastenal, have raised prices multiple times. With inventory from pre-tariff imports running out and new tariffs on the horizon, economists expect inflation to rise in the coming months.

Union Pacific is in preliminary discussions to acquire Norfolk Southern, a move that could create a $200 billion rail giant and intensify industry consolidation, according to the Wall Street Journal. Both companies declined to comment on the reports. Any deal would likely face a lengthy review process.

Retailers are preparing for the holiday season by building up safety stocks to mitigate trade and geopolitical risks. The strategy, while effective, ties up working capital, increases storage and shipping costs, and raises the risk of obsolete stock, experts say, highlighting the need for smarter inventory practices and supplier redundancy that maintains agility and protects margins in a volatile environment. Some firms are starting to implement AI planning tools to optimize inventory levels.

A strong marketing strategy on X begins with understanding the platform's unique pace and audience demographics. B2B brands should set clear objectives, evaluate if their presence aligns with company values, and ensure they have the resources to maintain activity. Tailoring content to X's mobile-first, male-skewed user base, and leveraging trends or niche interests, enhances visibility. Regularly reviewing brand safety policies and adapting to platform changes is essential for sustained success.

Companies in the US are planning a median salary budget increase of 3.5% for 2026, mirroring this year's actual increase, according to a survey over over 1,500 organizations by Willis Towers Watson. The consistency reflects a stabilization after several years of fluctuating salary budgets, as organizations shift their focus to long-term competitiveness and internal equity. Just 22% of employers cited inflation as a reason for budget adjustments, down from 39% last year.

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