Core Insights - Consumer spending rebounded in October after a decline in September, indicating a strong start for the retail sector in Q4 [2][6] - The retail monitor, based on credit card spending data, showed a 0.6% increase in retail sales excluding auto and gas, compared to a 0.7% decline in September [2][3] - Year-over-year growth rates for core retail sales decreased slightly, with a drop from 5.4% to 5% [3] Sector Performance - Most retail sectors experienced growth, with digital products leading at a 2% increase, followed by clothing and accessories at 1.4% [4] - Restaurants, beverages, and health and personal care sectors also performed well, while building and garden supplies saw a decline of 0.8% [5] Economic Context - Consumer spending remains robust, supported by wage growth exceeding inflation, low unemployment rates, and positive wealth effects from strong stock market performance [6] - Despite mixed economic data, October's performance is seen as a positive indicator for the upcoming holiday season, although historical correlations between October gains and holiday sales are weak [6] Challenges Ahead - Key concerns for the retail sector include the impact of goods inflation, tariffs, and early signs of a cooling job market on holiday shopping [7] - The ongoing government shutdown has affected the release of critical economic data, creating uncertainty about the accuracy and timeliness of upcoming reports [9][10]

Core Insights - Tariffs are significantly impacting the global packaging industry, with a universal 10% import duty and increased steel and aluminium tariffs now in effect, leading to higher packaging costs and supply chain uncertainties [1][2][3] Tariff Impact on Costs and Supply Chains - The restoration and expansion of Section 232 metals duties have raised input costs for aluminium and steel used in packaging, affecting pricing and procurement strategies [2] - Packaging buyers are front-loading orders to avoid tariff impacts, resulting in increased warehousing costs and price volatility [3] Retaliation and Broader Economic Effects - Retaliatory measures from countries like China, including a WTO case and countermeasures, are exacerbating supply chain pressures and increasing recession risks as tariff coverage expands [4] Deregulation and Compliance Changes - The US government is rolling back environmental regulations, which may reduce compliance costs for packaging but could lead to greater divergence from stricter state and international standards [5][6] - Changes in food and consumer-goods labelling regulations are also occurring, which may affect packaging design and compliance processes [6][7] Price and Sustainability Implications - Higher import duties on aluminium cans are likely to increase input costs, potentially shifting some demand back to plastic bottles, which may have lower life-cycle costs [8]

American farmers have long struggled with high costs and low prices for their crops. But this year, there is even greater uncertainty in the fields. China stopped buying all US soybeans in May. Retaliation for President Trump's tariffs. Many American farmers were left without their largest export market. President Trump and China's President Xiinping came to a temporary truce. But farmers told us that whatever happens next with tariffs, the problems on their farms continue to run deep. We went to rural Tenn ...

Trump suggests $2,000 payouts to Americans as he defends tariffs https://t.co/l6i3ChOUvW ...

The streets are the darker side of capitalism. When I realize tariffs are just somebody paying draft to hustle in America, I say, "Oh, I got it." When it comes to just the stock market in general, I have to put it in terms and references that I can really relate to. So, in the streets, if I want to hustle in somebody else's neighborhood, it's one of two things that has to happen.either that person gives me a blessing to sell there and then I can sell there freely or I have to pay what's called draft. Draft ...

If Trump really gives $2,000 to citizens from the tariffs, history will probably look at the April 2025 fear mongering as one of the dumbest mainstream consensus takes in our lifetime.Eventually everyone will realize what I have said since day one....not only will the tariffs work, but they won't be inflationary either.Just a matter of time until the critics admit it. ...

Trade & Tariff Strategy - The administration has contingency plans in place, referencing various sections such as 232, 122, and 301 [1] - The Treasury Secretary is prepared to implement tariffs through alternative avenues if the initial case is unsuccessful, aiming to achieve the administration's goals [1] Economic Impact & Re-industrialization - The administration's goal is popular with financial markets, investors, and the American people, with the aim of re-industrializing the country [1] - Re-industrialization involves employing Americans to build factories with foreign capital [2]

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 President Trump says businesses are pouring into the US."ONLY BECAUSE OF TARIFFS." ...

President Marcos set guidelines on planned changes in tariffs for rice to the Philippines, the world’s top importer, starting in 2026. Import duties will be lifted by five percentage points for every 5% drop in world prices, or vice versa https://t.co/jP191kopKz ...

Affordability, the new buzzword following Democrats victories in Tuesday's elections after candidates focused on that. Exit polls show 56% of New York voters said cost of living was top of mind. In Virginia, it was the economy.And in New Jersey, taxes, followed closely by the economy, were the most important issues. As all three states elected Democrats to top leadership positions, but the president dismissed Democrat success in messaging as a conj job. We are the ones that have done great on affordability. ...