Research Archives

Now Available: NAW’s 3Q26 Forecast Report

This comprehensive NAW 3Q26 Forecast Report is a guide to the U.S. wholesale distribution economy, providing a historical, current and future snapshot of numerous key economic indicators in one convenient place along with our exclusive sector-specific forecasts for 19 different product categories.

July 17, 2026

Economic Trends

June U.S. Industrial Production Posts Another Slight Gain, Behind Expectations

Manufacturing output was flat month-over-month, while mining and utilities both had modest increases. Get all the key figures here.

July 17, 2026

Building Materials/Construction

June U.S. Housing Starts Rebound as Multifamily Activity Jumps

U.S. housing starts bounced back in June after a sharp May decline, driven by a jump in multifamily construction. Building permits declined both month-to-month and year-over-year, while completions increased.

July 17, 2026

Economic Trends

MDM Forecast: July Update

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July 15, 2026

Economic Trends

Wholesale Inflation Cools in June as Energy Drives Producer Price Decline

The latest Producer Price Index showed wholesale prices fell in June as energy costs retreated sharply, while underlying inflation remained more subdued, offering a calmer inflation picture after May's energy-driven surge.

July 15, 2026

Economic Trends

Energy Price Drop Pulls Consumer Inflation Lower in June

Consumer inflation eased considerably during June as gasoline prices reversed course, while core prices were unchanged month-over-month and posted their smallest annual increase since early 2021.

July 14, 2026

Market Analysis

Analysis: Fastenal’s Strong Sales & Margin Performance Continue Despite Pricing Moderation

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July 14, 2026

Economic Trends

U.S. Metalworking Machinery Orders Continued Slide in May, but Narrowed

Month-over-month orders declined for a second straight month, but to a much smaller degree than April, while year-over-year totals remain robust. Get the key figures and context here.

July 13, 2026

Strategy

QXO Details Go-Forward Playbook Centered on Scale, Transformation & Tech

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July 9, 2026

Economic Trends

U.S. Cutting Tool Shipment Value & Volume Dip Again in May

The number of units shipped decreased for a second straight month after rising in March and February.

July 9, 2026

Economic Trends

May U.S. Wholesale Sales Accelerate, Far Outpacing Inventories

Petroleum products continued to lift nondurable goods sales, while durables saw widespread acceleration as inventory-to-sales ratios continue to slide, indicating demand is outpacing stockpiles. Here, get a full breakdown of product vertical-specific figures for monthly and year-over-year sales and inventories from the latest government data.

July 8, 2026

Economic Trends

IMF Lowers 2026 Global Growth Outlook, Holds U.S. Forecast Steady

The IMF’s July World Economic Outlook update projects 3.0% global growth in 2026, down 0.1 percentage point from April, as war-driven energy pressure and stalled disinflation offset technology investment gains.

July 8, 2026

Featured Blog

The Top 5 Components of a Distributor Business Plan

If your company lacks a plan or yours is gathering dust, follow these guidelines.

July 7, 2026

Top Distributor Sectors

MDM’s 2026 Top Distributors Lists are Live & Available to Download

Our highly anticipated annual feature is here for you to peruse via web listings and our downloadable report. Explore our 20 different lists to see distribution’s biggest movers and shakers.

July 6, 2026

HVACR

HARDI Distributors’ May Sales Slide to 4.8% Decline

It followed a 4.5% April increase, marking a downtrodden start to the first meaningful month of cooling season.

July 6, 2026

Economic Trends

May U.S. Construction Spending Inches Up, Trailing Expectations

U.S. construction spending edged higher in May, helped by continued public sector gains and residential improvement. Private nonresidential spending, however, declined for an eighth straight month. Get all the key data and charts here.

July 1, 2026

Economic Trends

ISM PMI Unexpectedly Slides, Signaling Slower June Manufacturing Growth

The economic indicator was expected to hold or modestly tick down, as indices for new orders and production both declined month-over-month.

July 1, 2026

MDM Market Leaders

See MDM’s 2026 Industry Titans

You've seen our new Top Distributors Lists. Now, see which companies remained as MDM Industry Titans and which ones joined the exclusive club that recognizes companies that have been in the top 3 of one of our Top Distributors Lists for at least five consecutive years — a testament to sustained market leadership.

June 30, 2026

Economic Trends

Advance: U.S. Wholesale Inventories Rose Another 0.3% in May

The figures suggest goods continued accumulating across distribution channels, albeit at a slower pace than April, and we'll find out if sales kept pace when the government's full wholesale trade report publishes July 8.

June 30, 2026

Economic Trends

Final Estimate: U.S. 1Q GDP Revised Up to 2.1% Growth on Lower Imports

The U.S. economy grew faster in early 2026 than previously reported, but the upward revision was driven mostly by a lower imports estimate while consumer spending and key distributor-facing sectors softened.