Core Insights - The 2025 Internal Audit Priorities Survey by Jefferson Wells highlights that cybersecurity remains the top emerging risk for the fifth consecutive year, emphasizing the need for strong cyber defenses in a vulnerable technology landscape [2][4] - Generative AI has emerged as the second most pressing concern, influencing audit strategies and the necessary skillsets to manage these risks [2][4] - Economic uncertainty has become a significant factor for audit leaders, with 26% of respondents citing it as a concern, a notable increase from nearly zero in the previous year [2] Group 1: Key Trends - Cybersecurity is identified as the foremost risk, indicating a critical focus for internal audit functions [2][3] - The rise of generative AI is reshaping audit strategies and toolsets, necessitating new skills for audit teams [2][4] - Economic uncertainty is now a prominent concern, reflecting changing market conditions and their impact on audit priorities [2] Group 2: Challenges Faced - Internal audit departments are facing skill shortages in key areas such as cybersecurity, AI, IT audit, and data analytics [3] - Over 85% of audit leaders are relying on external partners to fill critical skill gaps within their teams [3][4] - The need for internal audit functions to adapt to rapid advancements in technology and economic conditions is underscored [4]

Core Insights - The American workforce is experiencing a shift from job hopping to job hugging, driven by economic necessity and fear of unemployment rather than loyalty or satisfaction [1][2][3] Economic Context - Job hugging reflects broader economic realities, with job hunting becoming more challenging due to economic uncertainty, inflation, and fears of AI displacement [2][5][6] - Job optimism has reached its lowest level, with 800,000 job losses reported in 2025, the highest since the pandemic [5] Employee Behavior - Employees are increasingly reluctant to pursue new opportunities, with job-to-job pay raises dropping to around 7% in July, down more than three percentage points from 2019 levels [8] - The voluntary quit rate remains steady at around 2%, indicating a trend of employees staying in their current roles [4] Long-Term Implications - Job hugging may provide immediate security but carries long-term risks, including stagnant earnings and missed opportunities for career growth [11][12] - Workers who remain in their roles may stop pursuing additional responsibilities or learning new skills, impacting their marketability when the labor market improves [13] Organizational Impact - Excessive job hugging can hinder innovation and skill development within organizations, leading to potential stagnation [15] - The trend creates fewer opportunities for new market entrants, contributing to high unemployment rates among recent graduates [16][17] Strategic Career Management - Employees are advised to prepare for future job searches by assessing their current situation, building skills, and expanding networks [18][20][21] - Exploring internal opportunities and mapping out necessary skills for desired roles can help mitigate the risks associated with job hugging [22][23] Conclusion - While job hugging is a natural response to economic uncertainty, it should not become a permanent career strategy, as fear-driven decisions can have long-term consequences [26][27]

Industry Concerns - The tech industry is experiencing significant anxiety among workers, particularly remote workers, with 47% expressing concerns about layoffs compared to 20% of in-office workers [1] - Layoffs are more prevalent in certain industries, prompting workers to reassess their skill sets and develop transferable skills to remain competitive [2] - The finance sector, especially investment banking and fintech, is undergoing transformations due to economic uncertainty, investment risks, and higher interest rates, leading to regular layoffs [7] - The healthcare industry, while historically stable, is facing challenges due to federal job cuts impacting the Health and Human Services Department, resulting in layoffs primarily affecting administrative roles [10][11] - The education sector is also grappling with layoffs, exacerbated by funding cuts from state and federal governments, leading to staff downsizing [12][13][14] Layoff Trends - Nearly one in three Americans would accept a 10% to 20% pay cut to avoid layoffs, highlighting the financial preparedness issues, with 13% having no savings [3] - Layoff concerns are driven by trends such as economic uncertainty, political volatility, AI and automation, shifting consumer behavior, and over-hiring during economic booms [3] - The outsourcing of talent due to funding issues is contributing to layoffs in the tech sector, as companies hire software developers in countries with lower wages [5][6] Future Outlook - Despite the volatility in the job market, the year is projected to be active in hiring, particularly in the finance sector, supported by a strong equities market and increased mergers and acquisitions activity [9] - The evolving nature of jobs means that while concerns about layoffs are valid, opportunities for growth and adaptation remain for younger generations entering the workforce [15][16]

Toronto home prices declined again in August as persistent economic uncertainty and a glut of inventory weighed on the market https://t.co/8lmQE3iKjq ...

Meanwhile, Jolt job openings coming in lower than estimates, just below 7.2% million versus 7.4% million expected. Joining us to discuss is Joe Leavia, counselor to the Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant. It's good to have you, Joe.Welcome back. >> Thank you. Thank you, Sarah.>> So, is this just more evidence that labor market is is cooling. It's cooling a little bit sour, but if you look at the current rate, it's exactly where it was in the fourth quarter of 2019 when the Trump economy generated nearly three ...

Historically, small cap stocks are often more sensitive to economic cycles and interest rate changes than their large cap counterparts. Why are rate cuts good for small cap stocks. Small cap stocks historically have outperformed large caps by 2 to 3% annually, but recently they've lagged behind in the current economic environment due to high interest rates and economic uncertainty.The Federal Reserve's high rate environment since 2022 has weighed heavily on small caps, which typically rely on borrowing to f ...

Applications for US unemployment benefits edged down last week, suggesting employers are holding onto current workers amid economic uncertainty. https://t.co/2tu9JQn65m ...

Core Insights - Allegiant (ALGT) is experiencing significant pressure from rising operating expenses and a complex economic environment, negatively impacting its investment attractiveness [1] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALGT's current-quarter earnings has been revised downward by 84.68%, now projected at a loss of $2.05 per share [2] - The 2025 earnings estimate has also decreased by 30.86%, now standing at $2.42 per share [2] - ALGT's shares have declined by 36.6%, significantly underperforming the Transportation - Truck industry's decline of 4.6% [3][7] Operating Expenses - In Q2 2025, ALGT's consolidated operating expenses surged by 19.9% year over year, with airline-specific operating expenses increasing by 3.8% [4][7] - Key components of operating expenses include: - Aircraft lease rentals: up 91.7% - Maintenance and repairs: up 18.4% - Station operations: up 7.8% - Labor costs: up 2% [5][7] Market Position - ALGT currently holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), indicating a lack of confidence from brokers [4] - The company is navigating a volatile macro environment characterized by economic uncertainty, shifting tariff regulations, and geopolitical tensions, which are forcing firms to delay investments and revise forecasts [5][8] Investment Alternatives - Investors in the Transportation sector may consider LATAM Airlines Group (LTM) and SkyWest (SKYW), both of which have a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [9][10] - LTM has an expected earnings growth rate of 45% for the current year, while SkyWest has an expected growth rate of 28.06% [10][11]

Home Depot has been hosting its earnings call this hour. Let's get to Courtney Reagan with some highlights. Morning, Courtney.>> Hi, Carl. Yeah, so despite missing the street's expectations for earnings and revenue for the first time since May of 2014, shares are higher on the reaffirmed guidance for the full year. Comparable sales also disappointed slightly, only the second positive comp in 11 quarters.though sales did continue to get stronger each month of the quarter and McFale just said the CFO on the c ...

What's so interesting, Islam research came out a week or so ago and look really buoyant about future growth and revenue. Very different for this CHIP equipment company. You are pointing out the debate that is waging and all the sell side reports in my inbox right now.Right. I mean, on the call last night, the narrative from the company was that China demand is worse in some of our largest customers that are holding off due to kind of just general economic uncertainty, tariffs and all that. But there's also ...