American Management Services, Inc

“Layoffs hit an eight-month low: What this says about the U.S. economy.” The U.S. labor market ended 2024 on a surprisingly high note, with layoffs dropping to their lowest levels since April. Despite economic uncertainties, businesses showed resilience, keeping layoffs minimal during the holiday season. The government reported that new jobless claims fell to 211,000 in the final week of 2024, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week. This marks a continuation of the low-layoff trend seen over the past three years, with claims consistently hovering in the low 200,000s. However, there are lingering questions about the seasonal accuracy of these figures. Key Highlights: ?? Jobless claims: Dropped by 9,000 to 211,000 for the final week of 2024. ?? State impact: 32 of the 53 states and territories saw declines in jobless claims. ?? Continuing claims: Fell by 52,000 to 1.84 million, near the highest levels since 2018 (excluding the pandemic). ?? Labor market trends: Businesses are firing less and hiring more cautiously due to slower economic growth. ?? Economic outlook: Uncertainty remains as businesses await the impact of incoming policies from the now current administration. The labor market remains in a delicate balance of slow hiring and low layoffs. As we move into 2025, the question remains: will this trend continue, or will new policies disrupt the fragile equilibrium? #Unemployment #LaborMarket #USEconomy #JoblessClaims #EconomicTrends Read more: https://lnkd.in/ebCV22iq

"America's economy is defying all odds entering 2025. Here's what you need to know." The U.S. economy continues to surprise experts with resilience and growth as 2025 begins. Despite high inflation, rising interest rates, and global uncertainties, the nation's financial recovery from the pandemic remains on track. Consumer spending, steady wage increases, and muted inflation fears have driven growth, while the Federal Reserve's cooling of interest rates offers hope for the months ahead. However, this momentum could impact external risks like trade wars, natural disasters, and potential policy changes under the new administration. Key Points: ?? Resilient Growth: Consumer spending powers continued recovery, defying forecasts of recession. ?? Federal Reserve Policy: Interest rates have declined after historic hikes to combat inflation. ?? Wage Growth: Real wage increases are helping Americans feel more optimistic despite high costs. ?? Risks Ahead: Trade wars, tariffs, and labor shortages pose significant economic challenges. ?? Policy Outlook: President-elect Trump's focus on tax reform and deregulation sparks hope and concern. As 2025 unfolds, the U.S. economy stands on solid ground, but looming risks remind us to stay vigilant. The focus remains on sustaining growth while addressing potential disruptions affecting stability. #Economy2025 #EconomicGrowth #BusinessInsights #MarketTrends #Leadership Read more: https://lnkd.in/e7hSDkUP

Can Nvidia defy expectations again in 2025? Nvidia, the world’s leading chip maker, started 2025 with a modest rise in its stock price, leaving investors to ponder whether it can achieve another year of astronomical growth. After a stunning 179% increase in 2024, Nvidia is inching closer to becoming the most valuable company globally, trailing only Apple in market capitalization. While Nvidia’s trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary, analysts remain skeptical about a repeat performance in 2025. Current predictions peg the stock's potential growth at a more modest 28%, with price targets ranging between $102 and $220. However, if Nvidia surpasses expectations once more, it could solidify its position as a market leader, perhaps even unseating Apple. Key Points: ?? Nvidia shares increased by 179% in 2024, following a 240% rise in 2023. ?? The company's market cap now stands at $3.3 trillion, second only to Apple’s $3.8 trillion. ?? Analysts’ average price target for Nvidia in 2025 is $173, suggesting a 28% upside. ?? Past analyst predictions for Nvidia have underestimated its performance significantly. ?? Historically, Nvidia's performance on the first trading day of the year has not been indicative of its annual success. Nvidia’s rise in recent years has captivated investors and analysts alike, but its 2025 performance remains an open question. Can it defy expectations for a third consecutive year and claim the crown as the world’s most valuable company? Investors will be watching closely. #Nvidia #StockMarket #Investing #TechGrowth #Semiconductors Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eCa_6uhe

An alarming rise in AI-powered phishing scams: Is your business prepared? According to leading companies like British insurer Beazley and eBay, as artificial intelligence evolves at breakneck speed, cybercriminals are weaponizing it to target corporate executives with hyper-personalized phishing scams. The article highlights how generative AI tools lower the barrier to advanced cybercrime, allowing hackers to craft polished, targeted phishing emails with unparalleled accuracy. By analyzing online profiles and social media activity, these AI bots can tailor scams that are highly convincing and difficult to detect. Key points from the story: ?? AI-driven sophistication: Generative AI enables hackers to replicate tone and style, creating phishing emails that appear genuine. ?? Personalized attacks: Scammers scrape online information to target victims with bespoke messages. ?? Increasing costs: Data breaches now cost an average of $4.9 million globally, up 10% from previous years. ?? Business email compromise scams: This malware-free phishing technique has caused $50 billion in losses worldwide since 2013. ?? Evading defenses: AI-powered scams can bypass traditional email filters and cybersecurity training by generating thousands of unique phishing messages. As phishing scams account for over 90% of successful cyberattacks, businesses must bolster their defenses. Advanced cybercrime requires advanced countermeasures. Companies should prioritize proactive threat detection and employee education to stay one step ahead. #CyberSecurity #AI #PhishingScams #DataProtection #BusinessSafety Read more: https://lnkd.in/guEEtSgT

"Get out from behind your desk!" If you've followed us for some time, you know this is a mantra we've been touting for owners to do for years. Last week, our COO?Lou Mosca?visited Washington, DC, for the 93rd?United States Conference of Mayors?Winter Meeting, where he addressed mayors and encouraged them to meet with small business owners within their communities. But the sentiment works both ways. If you're a small business owner, get out from behind your desk. Watch our latest video to learn more. https://lnkd.in/g6RErz-7

Another great day for filming a new video.

Thank you, Loren Feldman for the opportunity to share our services to your 21 Hats community. Our mission at American Management Services is to provide the absolute best service for every client. Our highly experienced analysts and consultants work meticulously and tirelessly for our clients to ensure they get the exact treatment and services they believe are only reserved for the Fortune 500. Glad we were able to work with you, Jaci Russo!

?? Credit card defaults in the U.S. have reached their highest levels since 2010—what does this mean for consumers? A recent report reveals a troubling trend: U.S. credit card defaults have surged, with lenders writing off $46 billion in seriously delinquent balances in the first nine months of this year. This sharp 50% increase from last year underscores the financial strain many households face after years of high inflation and rising costs. Credit card debt in the U.S. has hit a record $1.17 trillion, with average household debt exceeding $10,700. While delinquency rates have slightly improved quarter-over-quarter, serious delinquencies continue to climb. Analysts point to economic challenges disproportionately affecting lower-income households with zero savings rates. With interest rates likely to remain high, relief for struggling consumers may not come anytime soon. Key points: ? Credit card balances rose by $24 billion in Q3 2024, an 8.1% increase year-over-year. ? Serious delinquencies surged to 7.1%, up from 5.78% in the same period last year. ? High-income households manage well, but the bottom third of earners are under significant financial strain. ? The Federal Reserve predicts only modest interest rate cuts in 2025, limiting potential relief. ? Rising household debt and economic uncertainty highlight the growing need for financial planning and support. The data paints a stark picture of financial stress across many U.S. households, particularly among lower-income groups. With credit card debt at record highs and relief unlikely in the short term, consumers and policymakers face tough decisions. Staying informed and prepared is more critical than ever. #FinancialTrends #CreditCardDebt #EconomicInsights #PersonalFinance #Inflation Read more: https://lnkd.in/eFf9V2Fn

We had a fantastic time in Washington, DC, for the 93rd United States Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting.?

The economy of 2024 in one word? Economists weigh in. As 2024 draws close, Marketplace explored a fascinating question: How would leading economists summarize this year's economy in just one word or phrase? The answers highlight a year of contrasts, resilience, and challenges. From "uncertainty" to "steadfast," each term paints a distinct picture of the economic landscape. With insights ranging from the cooling inflation to the resilience against recession predictions, this roundup underscores the complexities of interpreting economic data in a dynamic global context. Here are the key takeaways: ?? Uncertainty: Election outcomes and Fed policies led to hesitations in spending and investing. ?? Resilient-ish: Growth defied recession fears, but questions remain about long-term stability. ?? Bumpy: Conflicting data created challenges in normalizing monetary policy. ?? Moderating: Inflation cooled, savings dwindled, and the economy showed signs of balance. ?? Hemiprosperous: Wealth disparity highlights the divide between financial stability and struggle. In 2024, the U.S. economy proved both strong and divisive. While many indicators signal progress, public sentiment lags. The big question for 2025: Will normalization continue, or will we face new economic challenges? #EconomicInsights #2024Economy #GlobalTrends #EconomicUncertainty #MarketplaceEconomy Listen to this episode of Marketplace here: https://lnkd.in/ej6ymWdX