- by Leon Mengri
- July 18 2017
- economy
- health
- health and wellness
- Healthcare & Biotechnology
- Medicare
Will Healthcare Inflation Remain at Historically Low Rates?
The slowdown in healthcare cost inflation, often attributed to the 2007-2009 recession, has generated questions such as what caused it and whether it will last. Notably, as Figure 1 shows, the rate of healthcare inflation has dropped to historically low levels, suggesting structural factors could also be a major driver of the slowdown.
- by Cara Brosius
- July 18 2017
- services & miscellaneous
Called It – Resellers are Trending in Telecom
US telecommunication service revenues are forecast to grow to $734 billion in 2021. Gains will be supported by increased service bundling activity, as consumers are motivated to purchase more options when individual services are offered at a discounted rate.
- by Leon Mengri
- July 18 2017
- Recreation
Domestic Cruise Industry Sails to Growth
Ocean and domestic water cruises continue to attract consumer interest, as they offer a unique experience and numerous destinations per trip. In particular, consumer interest is piqued by the increased availability of cruises that explore local gems such as the Alaska Coast, Puget Sound, Columbia River, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Providers of domestic cruises, which travel on the US coasts and inland waterways, are benefiting from this trend.
- by Cara Brosius
- July 18 2017
- food
- Materials & Chemicals
Falling Acreage of Planted Crops Weighing on Fertilizer Demand
US demand for fertilizers is forecast to fall to 28.1 million metric tons in 2021. As structural changes in agricultural markets lead to declining acreage of planted crops, less fertilizer will be needed to sustain plant growth. Additionally, fertilizers are improving such that higher crop yields can be obtained with smaller volumes of fertilizer, inhibiting demand.
- by Cara Brosius
- June 29 2017
- automotive
- Industrials
- Metals & Minerals
A Slowdown in Auto Production Has Metal Stampers Looking Elsewhere For Growth
For the metal stamping industry, automotive manufacturing is the leading market, accounting for nearly 80% of demand in 2016. However, this market is expected to be tepid, prompting the industry to look elsewhere for growth.
- by Luke Hickman
- June 29 2017
- automotive
The End of the Road for Truck & Van Sales Growth?
Retail sales of new light-duty trucks and vans have vaulted motor vehicle retail sales to seven consecutive years of growth, achieving historical peaks in 2015 and 2016. However, growth has slowed, and continued gains are no longer a given.
- by Cara Brosius
- June 14 2017
- Energy & Resources
- oil
US Consumers Less Gassy
US demand for refined petroleum products is forecast to total 6.2 billion barrels in 2021. The increasing fuel efficiency of US motor vehicles in use and demographic trends will reduce consumption volumes of gasoline, the largest demand segment.
- by Steven Richmond
- June 13 2017
- home
- home and garden
- home décor
- home improvement
- home organization
More than Window Dressing: Energy-Efficient & Automated Products to Drive Growth
US demand for window coverings is forecast to total $5.2 billion in 2021. Suppliers will benefit from increases in construction activity, particularly in the residential sector. Trends toward higher-end products in the replacement market will further support gains in value terms.
- by Steven Richmond
- June 13 2017
- Industrials
- Trade
Can US Smelters Compete?
US aluminum production is at a historic low. Is this the result of anti-competitive practices by foreign suppliers, or an uncompetitive US industry?
- by Luke Hickman
- May 19 2017
- athletic footwear
- consumer goods
- consumer trends
Will Knit Uppers Refashion the Athletic Footwear Industry?
While consumers have embraced the look and feel of knitted shoes, footwear companies have become excited about the possibilities the new process provides...