Economy

10 articles

Split image showing a busy, high-tech factory floor contrasted with a quieter, less active domestic production line, illustrating the surge in German machine tool orders versus declining production.
Industry

German machine tool orders surge globally, but domestic production shrinks

In the first half of 2026, incoming orders for German machine tools surged by 14%, even as domestic production plummeted by 7%.

Rick Donovan·September 20, 2026
Diverse teams in a modern cleaning services company office collaborating on growth strategies and innovative cleaning technologies, symbolizing industry expansion.
Services

Industrial and residential cleaning services market sees high growth

The global commercial cleaning market is set to nearly double, from USD 72.

Rick Donovan·September 8, 2026
A solitary construction worker on a job site, looking contemplative amidst a backdrop of unfinished buildings and a chilly atmosphere, symbolizing the impact of the July jobs slump on skilled trades.
Industry

July jobs slump: Skilled trades face deeper chill

In July, the US economy added a mere 187,000 jobs.

Rick Donovan·August 8, 2026
The Federal Reserve building at dusk with economic charts projected on its facade, symbolizing economic uncertainty and fluctuating markets.
Tools & Equipment

Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady Amid Economic Uncertainty

During his inaugural Federal Reserve meeting, Kevin Warsh's influence was palpable.

Kyle Brenner·June 19, 2026
A panoramic view of a large-scale construction site with multiple cranes and buildings under development, symbolizing the surge in US construction starts.
Materials

US construction starts surge to $1.33T annual rate in April

US construction starts surged to a $1.33 trillion annual rate in April 2026.

Luis Ortega·May 22, 2026
Diverse young adults learning skilled trades in a modern vocational training workshop, highlighting the importance of skilled labor.
Industry

Vocational Training Investment Key to Skilled Labor Shortage

The U.S. faces a staggering annual deficit of 1.7 million skilled-trade workers, a gap threatening to stall critical infrastructure and economic growth across multiple sectors. Annually, 2.9 million s

Ben Foster·May 7, 2026
Diverse skilled tradespeople working on a modern construction site, symbolizing Canada's investment in addressing the labor shortage.
Trades

Canada Invests $6 Billion to Address Skilled Trades Labor Shortage

The Canadian government commits up to $6 billion over five years to address the skilled trades worker shortage, according to Daily Hive .

Rick Donovan·April 30, 2026
Diverse skilled trades workers on a busy construction site at dawn, highlighting the critical need for labor in the US economy.
Trades

Skilled trades shortage strains economy, new training initiatives launch

The U.S. faces a projected deficit of nearly 1.4 million skilled trades jobs by 2030. This gap could cost the national economy an estimated $325.6 billion in lost GDP annually, according to Bringbackt

Rick Donovan·April 26, 2026
Young person contemplating career choices between university and skilled trades, with rising blue-collar wages as a factor.
Trades

Blue-collar wages surge, making degrees a riskier path for young people

Between 2019 and 2024, real hourly wages for the lowest-paid 10% of US workers jumped by 15.

Rick Donovan·April 23, 2026
Skilled tradespeople working diligently on a factory floor during a period of declining US industrial production, emphasizing their crucial role in economic stability.
Industry

US industrial production dip impacts skilled trades and market stability

In March, US manufacturing output fell 0.

Ben Foster·April 17, 2026