- by Luke Hickman
- October 11 2017
- Industrials
Shift in Vehicle Transmissions Steering Developments in US Market
MV transmissions and powertrain parts compose the largest product segment of the US power transmission component market. Rising fuel economy standards have spurred the development of advanced transmissions, such as continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs), that improve fuel efficiency and boost product value. As standards continue to rise, demand for these transmissions will expand further.
- by Steven Richmond
- October 11 2017
- consumer goods
- consumer spending
- consumer trends
- consumers
- online retail
- retail
- retailing
Customizable, Durable Products Represent Countertrend to Fast Fashion
Fast fashion – the trend toward selling clothing featuring the latest designs to consumers as quickly and cheaply as possible – has long been the driving force in the apparel market. To the annoyance of many consumers, two consequences of this trend have been that clothing has become less durable and less unique.
- by Cara Brosius
- October 2 2017
- dairy
US Cheese Becoming an International Contender
.jpg)
US dairy product shipments are forecast to reach $122 billion in 2021. Advances will be driven by rising demand in domestic and export markets, resulting from population growth and increasing disposable personal income levels. Over the 2006-2016 period, dairy product output expanded at an average rate of 4.1% annually as higher volumes of dairy products were consumed and prices rose along with an improving economy.
- by Leon Mengri
- September 18 2017
- Materials & Chemicals
Consolidation Continues in the US Paper & Paperboard Industry
Due to continued competitive pressures, such as a slow-growing market for their products, the US paper and paperboard industry - already dominated by large, vertically integrated firms - continues to consolidate.
- by Leon Mengri
- September 18 2017
- health
- health and wellness
- Healthcare & Biotechnology
- Medicare
Two Alternatives to Conventional Insurance: Self-Funded & Provider-Owned
Self-funded plans represent one alternative to conventional risk-based insurance. In addition, healthcare providers (eg, hospital systems) are offering another option, provider-owned plans.
- by Steven Richmond
- September 18 2017
- children
- construction
- education
- Recreation
Lego’s Loss May Not be Competitors’ Gain
Earlier this month, Lego announced that it would cut 1,400 jobs after reporting revenue and profit both fell in the first half of 2017, driven by declines in US sales. Much of the discussion around this story has focused on contributing factors within the company. However, these declines may also signal waning popularity in construction toys.
- by Leon Mengri
- September 18 2017
- automotive
Trucks Are the Next Major Frontier in Electric Vehicles
In the highly competitive trucking industry, fleet operators seek to increase fuel efficiency as a means to reduce operating costs. In addition, regulations are prompting medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) vehicle manufactures to increase investments in technologies that can to boost fuel economy and limit emissions.
- by Cara Brosius
- August 28 2017
- Building Products
- construction
- home
- home and garden
Housing Market Shifting to Satisfy Millennials
US housing starts are forecast to reach 1.6 million units in 2021, with homebuilders benefiting from strengthening consumer finances and rising levels of employment. At the same time, sales of existing homes are expected to reach 6.0 million units, with the fastest gains occurring in the South. Although economic recovery has helped consumers achieve higher incomes to purchase homes, rising home prices and a shortage of available properties is presently a detriment to first-time homebuyers, especially millennials.
- by Cara Brosius
- August 28 2017
- beverage
- beverage trends
- beverages
- consumer goods
- consumer trends
- consumers
- food and beverage
Shift to Cans Gaining Steam Among Craft Brewers
US beer demand is forecast to reach 6.6 billion gallons in 2021. Rising disposable personal income levels will stimulate consumer spending on beer. However, over the 2006-2016 period, demand for beer in volume terms fell at an average annual rate of 0.3% as the market matured and beer lost market share to other alcoholic beverages, especially among key demographics including baby boomers and millennials.
- 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.