US Service Sector Grows Modestly Amid Employment Worries

US Service Sector Grows Modestly Amid Employment Worries

The July ISM Non-Manufacturing Index edged up to 52.6, signaling continued expansion in the service sector. However, the Employment Index sharply declined to 49.3, raising concerns about the economic outlook. The report indicated robust business activity, but challenges persist due to weak business confidence and rising prices. Overall, the non-manufacturing sector faces multiple pressures including technological changes, globalization, and labor shortages, requiring careful navigation.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Jobs Report Delay Sparks Labor Market Uncertainty

US Jobs Report Delay Sparks Labor Market Uncertainty

The release of the US November Non-Farm Payroll report was delayed and combined with October's data, increasing the difficulty of interpretation. The BLS cautioned about potential data deviations, suggesting market volatility is likely. The competition for the Federal Reserve Chair position also draws attention. Investors should interpret the data cautiously, pay attention to subsequent releases, and focus on long-term trends. Understanding the underlying biases in the data is crucial for making informed decisions in this uncertain economic environment.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Inflation Data Faces Scrutiny Amid Market Turmoil

US Inflation Data Faces Scrutiny Amid Market Turmoil

US November CPI data unexpectedly declined, prompting a reassessment of inflation trends. The data may be biased and requires careful interpretation. The market reaction was brief, and the Federal Reserve is likely to maintain a cautious monetary policy. Future data will be crucial in determining the direction of inflation.

01/28/2026 Exchange Rate Query
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US Consumer Spending Flat As Inflation Worries Persist

US Consumer Spending Flat As Inflation Worries Persist

US personal income grew more than expected in September, but PCE inflation pressure remained, with the overall PCE price index hitting a one-year high. The data reflects the complexity of the US economy: income growth supports consumption, but inflation pressures persist. The future economic direction depends on multiple factors, including the labor market, inflation trends, and geopolitical risks.

01/28/2026 International Settlement
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US Jobless Claims Drop Sharply Defying Economic Concerns

US Jobless Claims Drop Sharply Defying Economic Concerns

US initial jobless claims unexpectedly plunged to 191,000, a near one-year low and far below market expectations. This data reflects a strong labor market, but may increase pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates. Market reaction included rising yields and a stronger dollar. Moving forward, close attention should be paid to employment data, while remaining vigilant about potential lagging effects and balancing the risks of inflation and recession.

01/28/2026 Exchange Rate Query
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US Revokes Huaweis Chip Licenses Tightens Export Controls

US Revokes Huaweis Chip Licenses Tightens Export Controls

The US government revoked export licenses for Qualcomm and Intel to Huawei, intensifying export controls primarily impacting chip supplies for Huawei's smartphones and laptops. This move aims to impede China's advancement in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, but it could also harm US suppliers. Huawei may accelerate its independent research and development, potentially reshaping the industry supply chain. The revocation signals a continued effort to limit Huawei's access to critical technologies and further escalate the tech rivalry between the US and China.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Tokopedia Plans US IPO Boosting Southeast Asia Ecommerce

Tokopedia Plans US IPO Boosting Southeast Asia Ecommerce

Indonesian e-commerce giant Tokopedia is accelerating its IPO plans, having hired advisors and evaluating various options, including a SPAC merger. A potential merger with Bridgetown Holdings, backed by Li Ka-shing, is being considered, with a valuation potentially reaching tens of billions of dollars. This move is expected to attract more international capital, boost the development of the Southeast Asian e-commerce market, and present both opportunities and challenges for investors.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Amid Demand Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Amid Demand Uncertainty

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year for the week ending January 31st. Significant decreases were seen in coal, nonmetallic minerals, and motor vehicle parts shipments. Despite the weak single-week performance, cumulative freight volume for the year remains positive. Key influencing factors include the economic environment, changes in industry structure, and competitive landscape. Future infrastructure investments and technological innovations are expected to drive the development of rail freight.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Mandates Local Representation for Foreign Patent Applicants

US Mandates Local Representation for Foreign Patent Applicants

New USPTO rules mandate that foreign patent applicants must engage US-registered patent attorneys or agents for patent-related matters. This aims to improve application quality and efficiency, and maintain system integrity by preventing procedural errors that could lead to application failure. Companies are advised to review existing applications promptly, select qualified representation, and ensure a compliant transition to mitigate the risk of patent invalidation or litigation. This proactive approach is crucial for safeguarding intellectual property rights in the US.

02/11/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Rail Freight Intermodal Gains Offset Coal Decline

US Rail Freight Intermodal Gains Offset Coal Decline

The U.S. rail freight market showed a mixed picture for the week ending February 10th. Intermodal traffic performed strongly with an 11.1% year-over-year increase, while traditional rail carloads declined by 2.5%. Coal shipments continued to be weak, decreasing by 7,264 carloads year-over-year. Year-to-date figures reveal a 6.5% rise in intermodal volume and a 6.4% drop in rail carloads, reflecting the evolving U.S. economic structure and changes in supply chain patterns.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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