Economic and Policy Update
What to Expect for the Rest of This Year and in 2026
The world is undergoing significant change this year. New administrations across North America and Europe are driving geopolitical and economic shifts, while an emboldened China is asserting its power in a variety of ways. A disconnect between “hard” economic data such as retail sales and industrial production, and “soft” sentiment indicators suggests that while risk of recession has risen, a severe downturn is by no means a certainty in the second half of 2025.
The US administration’s policy agenda has been a source of much uncertainty and anxiety in recent months. To reshape the global economy, President Trump has embraced unilateral action on trade, with sweeping tariffs (or threats thereof) being enacted by executive order. This has led to a substantial drop in consumer confidence and business optimism across the globe, both of which are bound to have a tangible impact on the broader economy and on many industries. What does all this mean for your business? This presentation will assess the current macro and trade landscape, analyze the potential impact of tariffs, and deliver practical and actionable advice designed to help business leaders plan for future operating conditions.
Attendees will walk away from the session with the following insights:
- An objective assessment of time-sensitive economic indicators such as consumer spending, business investment, inflation, interest rates, and tariffs
- Concrete advice on how to navigate the current macroeconomic climate and plan for the future, with a particular focus on tactical initiatives
- Tools that company leadership can use to become better data-driven decision makers in running their businesses