Good news for homebuyers! Mortgage rates have dropped for the ninth consecutive week, providing a glimmer of hope in a housing market that has been tough on wallets since the 1980s. After dipping below 7% for the first time since August in early December, rates continued their downward slide. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage now […]
Read MoreDonald Trump’s first term as president was a seismic shift in U.S. trade policy. He launched a tariff war with China, pulled out of major trade agreements, and earned the nickname “Tariff Man.” Now, if he wins re-election, expect the ground to tremble again. Trump’s campaign documents and interviews hint at a second term filled […]
Read MoreGood news! The recession you feared in 2023 may not materialize. While the U.S. economy could slow next year, our experts predict it will avoid a recession. This offers breathing room for your finances and investment decisions. However, a shifting financial landscape demands attention. The key development? Rising bond yields. This impacts markets and your […]
Read MoreDouble Trouble: Global supply chains are bracing for a potential “milder version” of the pandemic’s crisis due to disruptions at both the Suez and Panama Canals. Attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea have forced shipping companies to reroute vessels, adding 7-10 days to voyages and potentially doubling ocean freight prices. Meanwhile, drought-induced restrictions […]
Read MoreDespite mixed economic signals, a wave of optimism is cresting through U.S. retail as stronger-than-expected holiday sales prompt stores to ramp up imports for early 2024. This bullish sentiment has revised import forecasts upwards, painting a picture of a potentially record-breaking festive season. The Global Port Tracker (GPT) is predicting a 11.5% y/y surge in […]
Read MoreAmerica’s once-unquestioned dominance in technological innovation is facing a serious challenge. The recent withdrawal of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) from key digital trade proposals at the World Trade Organization raises alarming questions about our commitment to maintaining this leadership position. This decision is not just a missed economic opportunity; it’s a strategic blunder with […]
Read MoreAfter several years of volatility, the air cargo market is anticipated to stabilize in 2024, with a return to “classic seasonality.” However, industry experts caution that unforeseen events could still cause turbulence. Data provider Xeneta projects modest growth of 1-2% for air cargo volumes in 2024, while supply is expected to increase at a slightly […]
Read MoreThe Los Angeles and Long Beach ports on the U.S. West Coast enjoyed a robust performance in October, marked by a significant surge in imported containers. Los Angeles handled 372,455 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), representing a 10.7% increase over the previous year. Long Beach, on the other hand, witnessed an even more impressive 23.6% jump […]
Read MoreThe International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the union representing dockworkers on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts, warned members to prepare for a possible coast-wide strike in October 2024. Harold Daggett, the President of the ILA, conveyed this message to the rank-and-file members. He also mentioned that an update on wage negotiations with ocean carriers […]
Read MoreToday in San Francisco, California, the United States took stock of the progress made in the Trade Pillar of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. Over the last year, a diverse group of thirteen partners (Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Viet Nam) has advanced our shared vision […]
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