Economic Trends & Market Updates
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AI Ownership in Construction: Why Clients Should Lead
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of digital transformation across the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) sector. Developers, consultants, contractors, technology vendors and specialist service providers are experimenting with AI to improve areas such as design, project planning, project controls, construction delivery and asset operations. However, while AI experimentation is growing, widespread…
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Who Controls Your AI and Data? Why AI Sovereignty Matters for Businesses
Artificial intelligence and cloud technology have quickly become essential to modern businesses. Companies use AI platforms to analyze information, generate content, automate processes, and support important business decisions. At the same time, much of the underlying technology and infrastructure is controlled by outside providers. This creates an increasingly important business question: Who actually controls the…
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How U.S.-Canada Tariffs and Rising Energy Costs Are Affecting Small Businesses
Small businesses operating across the U.S.-Canada border are facing a combination of higher trade costs, weaker demand, and rising energy expenses. New tariffs between the two countries are increasing the cost of certain cross-border transactions, while elevated oil prices are adding pressure to shipping, manufacturing, and day-to-day operations. The effects are particularly noticeable among businesses…
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Diesel Prices Reach Record Levels as Higher Oil Costs Raise Inflation Concerns
Diesel prices in the United States have climbed to an unprecedented level, adding to concerns about rising transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and consumer costs. The increase comes as renewed conflict involving the United States and Iran has pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, putting additional pressure on fuel markets. According to AAA’s national price…
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Shingles Vaccine May Be Linked to Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk
The shingles vaccine is primarily used to protect against shingles, a painful condition caused by reactivation of the virus responsible for chickenpox. However, emerging research suggests that its benefits may extend beyond preventing shingles. A recent study published in Nature Medicine found that adults who received the recombinant shingles vaccine, known as Shingrix, had a…
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What to Know About Flu, COVID-19 and RSV Vaccines for the 2026–2027 Season
As the 2026–2027 respiratory virus season approaches, families and healthcare providers are preparing for the return of influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While federal guidance for some vaccines has not yet been updated, several major medical organizations have published recommendations for different groups. The guidance covers children, adults, pregnant people and individuals with…
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Labor Union Membership Is Growing, but State Policies Shape the Trend
Labor unions are gaining members across the United States, but the pace of growth varies significantly from state to state. Recent research suggests that state labor policies, particularly rules surrounding collective bargaining, play an important role in determining where union membership expands most quickly. According to a 2026 report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute…
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How Medicaid Cuts Could Reshape Healthcare Costs and Access
Changes to Medicaid funding can affect far more than the people who receive coverage through the program. Reductions in federal healthcare spending can place additional financial pressure on hospitals, healthcare providers, employers and privately insured patients, particularly in communities where medical facilities are already operating under tight financial conditions. Recent changes approved by Congress through…
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U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates as Tehran Retaliates Against American Strikes
Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified again following a series of military attacks and retaliatory actions across the Middle East. The latest developments represent a significant escalation after a period of relative calm in the conflict. The confrontation has also involved countries hosting U.S. military facilities, raising concerns about the wider regional…
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U.S.-Iran Tensions Put New Focus on Strait of Hormuz and Global Energy Markets
Renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran are drawing international attention to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important energy routes. The latest renewed U.S.-Iran confrontation has raised concerns not only about regional security but also about oil supplies, fuel prices, shipping activity, and inflation. The waterway has become…