Research Archives

The Human Algorithm: Why Great Analytics Fail Without Great People

The fourth installment of this five-part series addresses the critical human factors in analytics success, including overcoming skepticism, identifying high-judgment individuals, addressing self-imposed data access constraints and avoiding common pitfalls.

July 1, 2025

Digital Commerce

What the Latest B2B Buyer Data Says About Digital Distribution in 2025

Many B2B distributors are falling short of buyer expectations online, and this analysis of new industry research reveals digital pain points and how you can close the gap to drive loyalty and repeat business.

June 27, 2025

Economic Trends

U.S. Wholesale Inventories Unexpectedly Slide in May

U.S. wholesale inventories fell in May, missing forecasts, as the trade deficit widened and retail inventories edged higher.

June 26, 2025

Economic Trends

Aircraft Leads 1Q Spike in U.S. Durable Goods Orders

U.S. durable goods orders surged in May, driven by a sharp rebound in transportation equipment led by a jump in aircraft demand.

June 26, 2025

Economic Trends

3rd Estimate: 1Q U.S. GDP Fell Much More than Previously Reported

January-March U.S. economic growth contracted more than double than what the previous estimate showed, as rising imports and reduced government spending weighed on output.

June 26, 2025

Economic Trends

Metalformers’ Optimism Increases for First Time in Four Months

The survey showed rising confidence among metalformers, with more expecting economic growth and higher incoming orders despite ongoing trade challenges.

June 25, 2025

Strategy

Inside LINC Systems’ Culture & Change Management Recipe

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June 25, 2025

Strategy

Futures Thinking: Why a Strategy Wind Tunnel is Vital

In the fourth of a four-part series previewing new MDM research to be unveiled in a June 25 webcast, we explore how to apply scenario planning to stress-test your distribution strategy and build resilience for the future.

June 19, 2025

Economic Trends

U.S. Cutting Tool Orders Rose 2.7% in April

U.S. cutting tool consumption rose modestly in April but remains down year-over-year, as market uncertainty and tariff issues continue to delay expected industry growth.

June 18, 2025

Economic Trends

Fed Maintains Interest Rate, Still Expects 2 Cuts This Year

It was the third straight meeting in which the central bank held its benchmark interest rate, while going more conservative in its projection for 2026.

June 18, 2025

Strategy

LINC Systems’ Transformation Levers: Sales, Digital & Data Analytics

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June 18, 2025

Strategy

Beyond Products: The Rise of Value-Added Services

Many distributors have untapped opportunities to market and sell services that larger companies like Amazon and even OEM sellers largely do not provide. This second piece in a two-part series from Redwood Advisors examines why value-add services are critical to your organization and which ones might be the right fit for your team.

June 17, 2025

Economic Trends

May Industrial Production Falls More than Expected

U.S. industrial production dipped in May as utilities output fell sharply, while factory activity rebounded modestly after an April decline.

June 17, 2025

Economic Trends

Data: U.S. Consumer Sentiment Improves for First Time in 6 Months

U.S. consumer sentiment jumped in June, with optimism rising across all groups despite lingering economic concerns and elevated inflation expectations.

June 16, 2025

Facilities Maintenance (MRO)

Rubix Launches “Uptime Index” as European Manufacturing Barometer

The London-based MRO parts distributor said the launch is in response to customers in Europe who voiced an increasing need for clearer insight into the factors impacting factory uptime and long-term performance.

June 16, 2025

Economic Trends

MDM Forecast: June 2025 Update

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June 13, 2025

Building Materials/Construction

QXO Earns Bullish Price Targets as Analysts Initiate Coverage

A trio of prominent financial services firms provided aggressive price targets for QXO when initiating their analyst coverage. See where they're expecting that stock to go to, and what's driving their outlook for it.

June 13, 2025

Economic Trends

U.S. Producer Prices See Modest Rise in May

U.S. producer prices inched higher in May, reflecting a modest rebound in wholesale costs led by services and goods after recent declines.

June 12, 2025

Strategy

Four Futures Every Distributor Should Be Prepared For

In the third of this four-part series previewing new MDM research to be unveiled in a June 25 webcast, we explore how distributors navigate disruption and plan for an uncertain future by previewing four distinct scenarios for wholesale distribution in 2035, developed through a structured foresight methodology.