"Social backlash to the speed and breadth of globalization is limiting our ability to move forward on reforms, even in the most developed of economies. Indeed, the backlash to China and immigration appears to have intensified in the U.S. over the last year. Pat Buchanan's hate-spewing new book, which condemns immigrants, has already reached best- seller status," says Diane Swonk, chief economist of Mesirow Financial.
Chief executives of small and mid-sized businesses say the state of the U.S. economy and prospects for the coming year are at their lowest levels since 2003, according to the Vistage Confidence Index, a quarterly measure of economic, market and industry trends. CEOs expecting the national economy to worsen over the next year outnumbered those with a more positive view by two-to-one.
ChannelNet announced today that Ford's current "0% percent financing for 72 months" promotion has produced record-breaking traffic on Ford's extensive network of Web sites. Web site traffic was up 70% and new inventory searches grew 100% during the week following the launch of the promotion. ChannelNet's scalable Web based technology allowed Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury Divisions to simultaneously update their extensive network of dealer Web sites in coordination with the promotion, seamlessly integrating Ford's traditional marketing channels with all levels of Ford's customer Web experience.
Optimism about the U.S. economy among CPAs serving in corporate America's C-suites is declining, according to the latest Business and Industry Economic Outlook survey from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
AAA says the summer of 2006 was the most expensive summer ever for driving costs, but as the summer's end approaches, drivers will be happy to find lower prices at the pump. However, a new poll suggests that most Americans remain less than confident about our energy future
The implementation of the newly revised energy codes and regulations in North America has significantly increased the usage of energy-efficient lighting control switches. The growing energy consciousness of end users is also compelling manufacturers to introduce innovative energy-efficient lighting control switches.
Rising resin costs along with changing consumer preferences are increasingly driving the growth of the U.S. markets for flexible food packaging. Flexible food packages offer high value for money and better convenience than other types of packaging and their lower gauges also imply lesser cost in terms of both manufacturing as well as transport. Given their ability to provide a high degree of product differentiation, stand-up pouches, in particular, are witnessing strong growth and are fast replacing conventional rigid packages.
The Hudson Employment Index(SM) rose one point to 102.9 in August, a moderate increase albeit the most substantial since May. Nominal improvements in workers' perceptions of their finances and job satisfaction contributed to the increase, yet were tempered by a decrease in hiring expectations. The latest reading is nearly five points above last August, when the Index registered 98.2.
