Connect with us

Business

The US economy is a puzzle but the pieces aren’t fitting together

Published

on


Bloomberg/Getty A female shopper with long brown hair at the Broadway Plaza Shopping Center in Walnut Creek, California, walking on the sidewalk carrying shopping bagsBloomberg/Getty

Ask almost any economist and they will tell you: US President Donald Trump has been running risks with the world’s largest economy.

They say his tariffs and crackdown on immigrants risk a return of 1970s-esque “stagflation”, when a sudden oil shock prompted stagnant growth and spiralling prices, except this time the crisis would be self-inflicted.

The White House has just as steadfastly dismissed those concerns, attacking the experts – and, in the case of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner, firing her.

Questions about how it will all play out have left the US central bank in a state of paralysis, as it waits for data to clarify what’s happening before making a move on interest rates.

But after a busy few weeks of company updates, data on jobs and inflation, we still don’t really know.

The labour market is sending clearly worrisome signals.

Job creation was almost non-existent in May and June, sluggish in July, and the ranks of discouraged workers are growing.

That 1 August jobs report sent the stock market sinking and Trump into a tailspin, prompting him to fire the BLS commissioner.

A few days later, Moody’s Analytics economist Mark Zandi declared on social media that the economy was “on the precipice of a recession”.

That’s not the consensus.

For sure, the economy has slowed, growing at an annual rate of 1.2% in the first half of the year, down one percentage point from 2024.

But consumer spending, despite weakening, has stayed more resilient than many had expected, despite downbeat assessments by some firms.

Shares, after the 1 August hit, quickly resumed their upward march.

“We continue to struggle to see signs of weakness,” the chief financial officer of JPMorgan Chase, America’s biggest bank, told investors last month. “The consumer basically seems to be fine.”

That has raised hopes that the economy might power through, as it did a few years ago, to widespread surprise, despite getting hit with the highest inflation since the 1980s and a sharp rise in interest rates.

On Friday, the US government reported that spending at retailers and restaurants rose 0.5% from June to July – and that spending in June had been stronger than previously estimated.

“Consumers are down but not out,” wrote Michael Pearce, deputy chief US economist at Oxford Economics, which is predicting a modest recovery in spending in the months ahead, as tax cuts and a stock market recovery boost confidence.

“With the sluggish yet resilient real economy, the labor market is unlikely to deteriorate sharply.”

Challenges remain in the months ahead.

For now, households haven’t seen a dramatic run-up in prices at the store that might force them to cut back.

Consumer prices rose 2.7% in July compared with a year ago, the same pace as in June.

But many forecasters had not expected higher prices to start appearing until later this year, especially after Trump delayed some of his most aggressive tariff plans until this month.

Prices for hard-to-substitute, imported staples, like coffee and bananas, have already jumped.

Forecasters expect price increases to widen in the months ahead, as firms sell down pre-tariff stock and raise prices, now that they have more confidence about what the tariff policies might be.

That’s why there was so much focus on the producer price index, which measures wholesale prices commanded by US producers before they hit consumers, offering a clue to what’s coming.

It accelerated at the fastest pace in more than three years in July.

And worryingly, both consumer and producer inflation show the uptick in prices is not limited to goods, suggesting stagflation might very well be staging a return.



Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Navigating Job Resilience and Productivity Gains for Strategic Investment

Published

on


The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business operations has reached a pivotal inflection point. By 2025, 72% of companies globally have embedded AI into at least one aspect of their workflows, with the global AI market valued at $184 billion and projected to grow to $826.7 billion by 2030. This surge in adoption is driven by a dual imperative: to unlock productivity gains and to future-proof workforce resilience in an era of rapid technological change. For investors, the challenge lies in identifying AI-driven companies that balance operational efficiency with sustainable employment practices, ensuring long-term value creation.

The Productivity Revolution: AI as a Catalyst for Growth

AI’s impact on productivity is undeniable. According to McKinsey, AI-driven corporate use cases could generate $4.4 trillion in added value by 2030. Sectors like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing are leading the charge. For example, AI-powered diagnostics in healthcare have reduced drug development cycles by 50%, while financial institutions are leveraging AI for real-time fraud detection, cutting losses by up to 30%. In manufacturing, predictive maintenance and generative design tools are boosting operational efficiency by 12% compared to traditional methods.


IBM, a pioneer in AI integration, exemplifies this trend. Its Watson Health division has streamlined clinical workflows, while AI-driven cybersecurity solutions have enhanced client retention. IBM’s stock has appreciated by 22% over the past three years, reflecting investor confidence in its AI-centric strategy.

Job Resilience: The Human-AI Symbiosis

Contrary to fears of mass job displacement, AI adoption in 2025 is reshaping roles rather than eliminating them. A McKinsey report reveals that 94% of employees use AI for over 30% of their daily tasks, far exceeding leadership expectations. This “augmentation” model—where AI handles repetitive tasks while humans focus on creativity and decision-making—is fostering workforce stability. For instance, in retail, AI chatbots now manage 95% of customer interactions, but human staff remain critical for complex problem-solving and customer relationship management.

The healthcare sector further illustrates this balance. While AI assists in diagnostics and administrative tasks, demand for skilled professionals like data scientists and AI ethicists has surged. By 2028, 60% of companies are expected to require basic AI skills, signaling a shift toward reskilling rather than replacement.

Investment Opportunities: Sectors Leading the AI Charge

Investors should prioritize industries where AI adoption aligns with both productivity gains and job resilience:

  1. Healthcare: AI is revolutionizing drug discovery, diagnostics, and personalized care. Companies like Tempus and PathAI are leveraging AI to improve clinical outcomes while creating new roles in data analysis and AI governance.
  2. Financial Services: Firms adopting AI for risk management and robo-advisory services are outperforming peers. Mezzi, an AI-driven wealth management platform, has seen a 40% increase in user adoption since 2024.
  3. Manufacturing: Industry 4.0 solutions, including collaborative robots (cobots) and predictive maintenance, are boosting efficiency. Siemens and General Electric are investing heavily in AI-driven automation, with Siemens’ stock up 18% year-to-date.
  4. Retail: AI-powered personalization and inventory optimization are driving growth. Shopify’s AI-driven analytics tools have contributed to a 35% increase in small business client retention.

Risks and Considerations: Navigating the AI Landscape

While the opportunities are vast, challenges persist. A 50% skills gap in AI expertise and regulatory complexities in data privacy remain barriers. For example, the EU’s AI Act, set to take effect in 2026, could increase compliance costs for companies in sensitive sectors like healthcare. Investors should favor firms with robust upskilling programs and transparent AI governance frameworks.

Strategic Investment Advice

  1. Focus on Sector Leaders: Prioritize companies with proven AI integration, such as IBM, Shopify, and Siemens, which demonstrate both operational efficiency and workforce adaptability.
  2. Monitor Reskilling Initiatives: Companies investing in employee training (e.g., Google’s AI certification programs) are better positioned to sustain growth.
  3. Diversify Across Sectors: A balanced portfolio across healthcare, finance, and manufacturing can mitigate sector-specific risks while capitalizing on AI-driven growth.

Conclusion: The Future of Work and Investment

AI adoption in 2025 is not a zero-sum game. By enhancing productivity and redefining job roles, AI-driven companies are creating a more resilient and dynamic workforce. For investors, the key is to identify firms that leverage AI as a strategic enabler rather than a cost-cutting tool. As the AI market continues to expand, those who align with this vision will reap the rewards of innovation and stability in equal measure.


Tesla’s recent pivot to AI-driven manufacturing and autonomous vehicle development underscores the potential of AI to drive both operational efficiency and long-term value. With its stock up 50% in 2025, Tesla exemplifies the rewards of strategic AI integration.

In the evolving landscape of AI adoption, the companies that thrive will be those that harmonize technology with human potential—offering a compelling opportunity for forward-thinking investors.



Source link

Continue Reading

Business

BizCard Introduces AI-Powered Digital Business Card to Transform Networking

Published

on


SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BizCard, the AI-powered digital business card platform, today announced the launch of its latest innovation designed to help professionals connect, engage, and grow their networks globally. Available as both a web and mobile application, BizCard enables users to create a personalized AI-powered digital identity easily within minutes, elevating a digital card into a dynamic virtual assistant capable of handling inquiries, qualifying leads, and driving opportunities across multiple channels and languages.

BizCard is ideal for freelancers, independent consultants, entrepreneurs, professionals and executives across various corporate functions, seeking to expand their networks efficiently.

Its key AI functions-Call My Agent for managing calls, AI Presenter for creating dynamic presentations, and Meeting for automated meeting transcripts and summaries-equip users with a powerful digital identity that facilitates effortless first contact. BizCard enables smooth introductions without awkwardness or pressure. It builds instant trust and credibility through accurate, proactive and professional interactions. This tool actively engages visitors to transform curiosity into commitment, converting initial interest into meaningful business opportunities.

Key Features of BizCard:

Get the latest news


delivered to your inbox

Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters

By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

  • Digital Twin: BizCard’s AI agent is designed to reflect a user’s preferred appearance, voice and style, offering the flexibility to create relevant custom identities for different brands and services. Companies can also use BizCard as a powerful customer acquisition tool, creating their own AI agents and personal business cards to acquire leads, and placing widgets on their official websites as engaging sales and promotion touchpoints.
    • Through key functions like Call My Agent, BizCard is pioneering the next wave of customer engagement–AI assistants that not only answer calls, but also connect with customers and schedule meetings in real time, acting as a true digital twin.
    • Its other key function, AI Presenter, equips professionals with the ability to autonomously transform documents into polished, high-impact presentations.
  • Effortless Engagement: BizCard initiates natural conversations that build trust, answer inquiries, and qualify leads. It can also nurture prospects on communication platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, and seamlessly route high-intent leads to sales for follow-up through its AI SDR capabilities. Also, with BizCard Meeting, discussions will be recorded and turned into actionable summaries.
  • Intelligent Contact Management: Captures and organizes contacts from calls, documents, and social platforms, tracks transcripts and prioritizes high-potential prospects. Draft personalized messages and get meetings scheduled efficiently, reducing overall administrative effort.
  • One Link, Global Reach: A single, shareable link delivers a professional digital identity across any platform, including social media, messaging apps, email, or other digital channels. Supports multiple languages such as English, Spanish, Arabic and more, enabling natural, seamless engagement with audiences worldwide.

BizCard is built to help professionals focus on building relationships, not paperwork. By automating administrative tasks, BizCard turns connections into actionable opportunities more efficiently.

Sales, marketing and branding teams can leverage BizCard to capture and qualify leads, enable timely follow-ups, and support automated marketing campaigns–accomplishing tasks that would otherwise require significant manual effort. By combining real-time interactions, personalized AI, and multichannel accessibility, BizCard empowers everyone to seamlessly turn contacts into customers.

BizCard continues to evolve with smarter networking tools, intelligent follow-ups, and advanced engagement analytics, ensuring it turns every interaction into real business impact. Start creating your AI BizCard today: https://card.biz

About BizCard

BizCard empowers professionals to create intelligent digital identities that engage audiences globally, streamline communication, and convert interactions into measurable outcomes such as revenue. The platform combines AI-driven engagement, cross-channel accessibility, and integrated CRM functionality to provide every user with a virtual assistant that works tirelessly to grow their network and opportunities.

Learn more about BizCard: https://card.biz




Source link

Continue Reading

Business

IGE launches artificial intelligence course for business in the ‘Bets’ market

Published

on


The program was designed specifically for managers and professionals aiming to take on strategic positions within the sports betting and regulated gaming sector, offering content that integrates technological innovation, compliance, and market practices.

The course curriculum includes modules focused on:

– Automation and operational efficiency: application of intelligent chatbots, large-scale data processing, and cost reduction;

– Accelerated game development: use of AI for content generation, RTP mathematical testing, and mechanics simulations;

– Personalized experience: real-time behavior analysis, individualized recommendations, and adaptive design;

– Compliance and integrity: monitoring for anti-money laundering prevention, mathematical audits, and Responsible Gaming practices;

– Marketing and retention optimization: automated campaigns, affiliate management, and anti-fraud systems;

– Emerging innovations: AI-assisted game design, dynamic pricing for bonuses, and automated A/B testing.

According to Filipe Rodrigues, founder of the Instituto de Gestão Esportiva, the course arrives at a strategic moment for the sector.

Artificial intelligence is redefining processes and business models in the betting industry. Our goal is to prepare professionals to understand this technological revolution and apply it in a practical and responsible way, aligned with compliance requirements and innovation opportunities.”

In addition to its hands-on approach, the course will feature highly qualified instructors, combining academic expertise with operational experience in the betting market.

Enrollment is now open and can be completed through this link.

Service:

AI course for business in the ‘Bets’ market

Schedule:

November 10 and 11 – 6 to 8 p.m.

November 17 and 18 – 6 to 8 p.m.

November 24 and 25 – 6 to 8 p.m.

Source: GMB





Source link

Continue Reading

Trending