Public and private debt worldwide has reached a record high of $164 trillion, according to the International Monetary Fund. If this trend continues, nations might have trouble paying off debt and handling a recession should financing conditions worsen, the IMF says.
⋅ CNBC
The US will try to reach an agreement with Mexico and Canada on an updated North American Free Trade Agreement within three weeks, industry and government sources say. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer reportedly has been seeking bipartisan support by calling lawmakers.
High-school students in Iowa can earn a seal of bilteracy after taking an exam to demonstrate proficiency in English and another language. Available starting next year, the seal can be earned through taking a test and is seen as a way to motivate students to learn additional languages.
Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard explained her vote against a proposal to change capital or liquidity rules for big banks, saying the largest firms "have the right kind and amount of liquidity." Vulnerabilities in asset valuation and business leverage show signs of "financial imbalances," Brainard said.
Finding and retaining good staff members has become the top concern among grocery executives, according to Progressive Grocer's annual survey. As millennials become the dominant audience, grocers are looking for members of that generation to become leaders and build careers in the industry.
Software Advice polled nearly 400 consumers and found that while 77% were more likely to choose physicians offering telehealth services than those who didn't offer them, only 8% have used telehealth within the past six months and 83% reported never using the technology. Meanwhile, more than 90% said they preferred an in-person visit to treat blurred vision or a toothache, 71% preferred in-person care for upper respiratory issues and 55% preferred an in-person visit for headache treatment.
Just over a fifth of American households own a smart speaker, per eMarketer, and a new study from Publicis Media explains that consumers want a more sophisticated experience and offers advice on what marketers can do to give it to them. "Voice-proof your Brand Q&A content by increasing frictionless and conversational qualities," the report states; it also includes tips on using music and streaming services and making car journeys more fun through voice experiences.
Numerous shipping lines and related businesses are investing in blockchain, which can help to create more efficiency in global trading networks. If a cohesive plan is put into place, it could mean the generation of an additional $1 trillion in global trade, according to the World Economic Forum.
⋅ Forbes
Tech experts open up with 15 tips for building in cybersecurity during the development process. Tips include incorporating threat modeling, knowing where to devote time and resources, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity throughout the company.
⋅ Reuters
A study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found no link between the monthly or incremental costs of new cancer drugs and their clinical benefits. The authors looked at 42 clinical trials for medications approved from 2006 to 2015, finding that average monthly costs of new oncology drugs rose to $15,535 in 2015 from $7,103 in 2006, while the difference in cost between new drugs and those they were intended to replace climbed to $161,141 from $30,447.
Executives from AT&T and Time Warner testified recently that the companies need to merge to keep up with tech giants such as Facebook and Google. AT&T's data capabilities would help Time Warner better serve consumers, Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes said.
The San Francisco Bay Area may add another 125 miles of tolled express lanes to reduce congestion that has resulted in a 17% longer commute time over the past 10 years. A groundbreaking is scheduled today for a northbound toll lane on a $107 million Interstate 680 project.
⋅ GreenBiz
Lyft plans to invest in enough carbon offsets to make the company's rides carbon neutral. Previously, Lyft announced plans to reduce emissions connected to the transportation sector by at least 5 million tons annually by 2025.
⋅ CNBC
The Federal Aviation Administration is ordering inspections for all jet engines like the one that exploded on a Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday. Although the plane landed safely, one passenger died in the incident.
Mark Hoplamazian, CEO of Hyatt, announced at the recent World Travel & Tourism Global Summit that the company is considering lowering its rate on group commissions because of several factors. Marriott lowered its group commission rate from 10% to 7% for North America bookings last month, and Hilton will follow suit in October.