DXP Enterprises has bought Pump Solutions, a Texas-based distributor specializing in pumps, controls and related services for the water and wastewater sector. The transaction was finalized on Monday and strengthens DXP's water and wastewater platform, expanding its scale and technical capabilities in Texas.

US services activity grew at a modestly faster rate in November, with the Institute for Supply Management's index rising to 52.6, the highest level in nine months. This expansion was supported by increased business activity and a higher backlog of orders, signaling the potential for a broader recovery in the services sector. Twelve industries, including retail trade and entertainment, reported growth, while five, such as construction, contracted.

Winsupply has opened Winsupply of Garden City in Kansas, an 11,000-square-foot facility that serves the region's industrial, plumbing and waterworks sectors. The facility highlights Winsupply's commitment to grow its local presence and build strong relationships within the community.

Warehouses and distribution centers are increasingly turning to automated dimensioning systems to improve measurement accuracy, driven by surging ecommerce volumes and changes in freight classification guidelines. Companies such as Cubiscan and Rice Lake Weighing Systems are seeing strong demand as they help address labor shortages and operational efficiency.

AI has become deeply integrated in warehouse operations, with over 90% of facilities now using AI or advanced automation tools, according to a study by the MIT Intelligent Logistics Systems Lab and Mecalux. These technologies are central to everyday processes, such as order picking, inventory management and labor planning, and are delivering significant improvements, including faster payback periods, increased throughput and higher labor efficiency. Most companies are investing a substantial portion of their technology budgets in AI, and nearly all plan to expand their AI initiatives in the coming years.

Marketing leaders face the challenge of taking creative risks to capture audience attention and drive brand growth amid stagnant attention spans and limited budgets. Experts such as Isabel North of Pace and Brianna Doe of Verbatim emphasize the importance of structured risk management, psychological safety and clear metrics to balance innovation with stability.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the White House will be able to implement its tariff agenda regardless of the outcome of the current Supreme Court case. Bessent explained that the administration can use multiple legal provisions -- including sections 301, 232, and 122 of the 1962 Trade Act -- to recreate the existing tariff structure. He emphasized that some authorities could be used permanently, while section 122 allows for tariff power up to 150 days.

Private payrolls in the US shed 32,000 jobs in November, according to ADP, marking a reversal from October and below the Dow Jones consensus estimate. The losses were concentrated among smaller businesses, offsetting a gain of roughly 90,000 jobs at larger companies. Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP, said the "choppy" hiring is the result of macroeconomic uncertainty and cautious consumers.

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