The US services sector experienced notable growth in October, with the ISM non-manufacturing PMI rising to 52.4 -- its highest level since February. The expansion was fueled by a surge in new orders, which climbed to 56.2, and growth reported across eleven industries, including retail, utilities and transportation. Despite some businesses expressing concerns about tariffs and the government shutdown, the overall data signaled steady economic activity at the start of the fourth quarter.

Pharmaceutical distributor Cencora has announced a $1 billion investment in its US supply chain over the next five years to meet the growing demand for specialty drugs, including cancer therapies and weight-loss medications like Ozempic. The investment will fund two new distribution centers and an expansion of a specialty drug warehouse, focusing on enhancing cold-chain capabilities as more medications require refrigeration.

MSC Industrial Supply and W.W. Grainger are reporting significant price increases from suppliers due to recent tariffs, with MSC noting that the current pricing pressure is worse than that experienced during the post-pandemic period. Both companies have raised their own prices multiple times this year and expect inflationary pressures to persist into 2026.

Airfreight operations are expected to slow significantly as the Federal Aviation Administration's 10% flight capacity cut takes effect at the height of peak shipping season. Logistics companies warn that reduced capacity will hamper the movement of high-value and time-sensitive goods, including electronics, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing components. While some cargo carriers may reroute flights to regional airports, limitations in infrastructure could bottleneck shipments. Freight forwarders and logistics providers are implementing contingency plans, such as shifting certain deliveries to ground transport and optimizing inventory to keep critical supply chains running.

GXO Logistics is responding to heightened demand for warehouses within Foreign Trade Zones as US tariffs push companies to seek tariff-deferral solutions. CEO Patrick Kelleher said that the company is actively exploring expanding its FTZ footprint, particularly in the US, to meet rising customer interest. FTZs allow businesses to defer tariffs until goods are distributed to customers, making them increasingly attractive in the current trade environment.

A Forrester report illustrates four common mistakes B2B chief marketing officers make when integrating generative AI, including a lack of strategic direction, failing to prioritize efforts, overlooking risks and overrelying on the technology. The report suggests that CMOs should define clear goals, manage change effectively, understand the risks and use AI as a collaborative tool to enhance content quality.

The Supreme Court has expressed doubt about President Donald Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs without explicit congressional approval. Justices questioned whether the law grants such broad authority, with Justice Neil Gorsuch highlighting potential misuse by future presidents. The court's decision could affect previously paid duties and future tariff policies.

Senate Republicans say they're nearing agreement on a three-bill "minibus" that could serve as the foundation for a stopgap measure to reopen the government, possibly keeping lawmakers in session through the weekend. Democratic leaders are weighing their leverage on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, while Republicans rally around a January deadline for the continuing resolution, setting up the potential for a House vote next week if a deal is finalized by Friday.

US corporate profits are soaring to new heights and the stock market is near record highs, but despite this financial success, companies across various industries are aggressively cutting jobs, a trend not typically seen during periods of strong profitability. Analysts point to the rapid adoption of AI, which is increasing business productivity and reducing the need for labor, as a key factor behind this unusual divergence between profits and employment.

Businesses need strategic resilience to thrive amid uncertainty, according to Entrepreneur. This involves precision in diversification, smart operational flexibility and dynamic decision-making. Companies should manage concentration risk, build flexible supply chains and create decision-making frameworks to handle unexpected opportunities effectively.

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