Items Tagged with 'economic outlook'

U.S. industrial production increased slightly in May 2026 compared to April 2025 levels according to the latest report from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Manufacturers are reporting increased raw material costs as the top business challenge facing them, jumping 25.6 percentage points from 57.5% in the first quarter to 83.1% in the second quarter, according to the National Association of Manufacturers’ Q2 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey.

After three years of reduced demand, orders of metalworking machinery had a strong rebound in 2025. 

2025 was a year consumed by the promise of change and the fear of what that change would bring. 

After ploughing through an extended drought of official statistics because of the government shutdown, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point for the third consecutive meeting, landing at a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%.

It’s probably the biggest question at the start of any new year. What’s to come? Sources say you can expect good things on the manufacturing front. 

On August 22, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell gave the strongest indication to date that an interest rate cut is in the cards during his address at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium.

Wipfli has released its 2025 manufacturing benchmarking study, offering a comprehensive look into the state of North American manufacturing.

The Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate steady at a target range of 4.25% to 4.5% for the fifth meeting in a row.

Alyssa Rodriguez, PhD, director of the Alaska Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center, talks manufacturing, labor, and more in Alaska.