Consumers have been burned by inflation in the past. You have to expect they will be making immediate decisions today.
Joe Brusuelas, Chief Economist, RSM US LLP
American middle market businesses are grappling with rising uncertainty as they try to navigate a rapidly changing landscape for tariffs and trade policies.
One of the costs of this uncertainty is a combination of rising inflation expectations and souring consumer sentiment, said Joe Brusuelas, chief economist of RSM US LLP, and Neil Bradley, executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in a wide-ranging conversation about the American economy on Friday.
What's needed, they said, was a clear articulation of policies under the new administration, and an emphasis on tax reforms like full depreciation of capital expenditures.
“It’s important to instill confidence and credibility among businesses and investors,” Brusuelas said.
Once businesses and investors understand the rules of the road, they can make more informed decisions.
“I would remove that uncertainty and give businesses the confidence to make those investments,” Bradley said.
Special Report
The RSM Middle Market Sustainability Survey 2024: U.S. and Canada
Numerous regulations are making sustainability a larger compliance issue.
Tax incentives are one part of companies’ broader decarbonization efforts.
Training is the most common action taken toward compliance, but also the top hurdle.
