Latest Industry Trends News
US PMI Signals Slower Business Growth at Start of 2026
The S&P Global US PMI Composite Output Index indicates ongoing but slower business growth in January 2026, with manufacturing output solid but services weakening. Input cost inflation remains elevated due to tariffs, leading to higher selling prices, while employment growth stalls.
Business confidence dips slightly due to political and price concerns.
Equity Sector Rotation Underway in Early 2026
Russell 1000 Value index outperforms Nasdaq 100 by 3 points since year-start, signaling rotation from growth to value stocks. Emerging market tech stocks lead with 11% gains versus 4% for non-tech.
Analysts expect narrowing tech-non-tech gap as AI benefits spread to other sectors.
US Economy Projected to Grow 2.1% in 2026
The Conference Board forecasts US GDP expansion at 2.1% year-over-year in 2026, down slightly from 2.2% in 2025. Trends highlight challenges for labor and capital but productivity improvements.
Businesses manage rising input costs via price pass-through and margin absorption.
Davos 2026 Highlights Structural Trade Shifts
World Economic Forum Annual Meeting notes trade entering a rupture with structural changes, not cyclical. Geopolitical tensions accelerate new trade deals amid rising industrial policies, up 262% since 2019.
Critical minerals emerge as new focus, akin to oil, with partnerships like Lobito Corridor.
AI Investments and Fiscal Policy Drive US Resilience
US economy buoyed by $515B AI capex from tech hyperscalers by 2026, resilient consumer spending, and OBBBA fiscal stimulus keeping deficits at 6-8% GDP. Unemployment at 4.4% with steady growth projected, supported by global rebound.
Fed's dovish stance aids markets amid cooled trade wars.
Global Economic Resilience to Persist in 2026
Developed economies show robust 2025 growth despite tariffs and geopolitics; 2026 resilience backed by strong balance sheets and easier policies. Europe poised for uptick via fiscal expansion, lower energy prices, ECB easing.
Fed cuts likely but tempered by sticky inflation and tariffs.
US New-Vehicle Sales Decline 3.7% in January 2026
J.D. Power-GlobalData forecasts January new-vehicle retail sales at 908,500 units, down 3.7% from prior year. Decline reflects adjusted market conditions amid economic shifts.
Tariffs Fuel US Input Cost Inflation
January PMI shows elevated input costs blamed on tariffs, with manufacturing prices at fastest rise since September 2025. Selling prices increase widely, among highest in three years.
Industrial Policy Rises Globally per Davos Insights
Davos leaders note 262% surge in government interventions since 2019 for security, tech, sustainability. Calls for business input to mitigate distortions.
French President Macron stresses protection without protectionism.
US Productivity Leads Global Race
US continues leading global productivity growth amid 2026 outlook. Strong corporate earnings projected up 14% for S&P 500.
Global developed and emerging markets support US trends.
Household Balance Sheets Buffer Growth Risks
Strong household, corporate, bank balance sheets provide 2026 downside protection. Real income growth and lower rates aid Europe.
US consumer resilience from asset prices and tax refunds.
National Security Adds to Trade Priorities
Davos discussions emphasize supply chain risk management and clarity on 'national security' applications in trade. Tariff disruptions clearer than security scopes.