European Economy: A Bilateral Trade Agreement and Manufacturer Investments, Despite February Stock Numbers
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European Economy: A Bilateral Trade Agreement and Manufacturer Investments, Despite February Stock Numbers

According to a recent report by Forbes, “The United States and European Union are negotiating what would be the world’s largest bilateral trade agreement, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP).” “A key objective on both sides of the Atlantic is to eliminate duplicative or contradictory regulations and align differing standards in order to simplify…

India’s Manufacturing Sector Down for March After Mid-Quarter High
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India’s Manufacturing Sector Down for March After Mid-Quarter High

According to Market Watch, “The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, prepared by Markit, fell to 51.3 from 52.5 in February, but still remained above the 50 mark for the fifth straight month, according to a survey released Tuesday. Readings above 50 indicate expansion; those below that level indicate contraction.”

Boeing Manufacturing Takes a Nose Dive for 300 Australian Workers
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Boeing Manufacturing Takes a Nose Dive for 300 Australian Workers

Boeing, a global titan in aerospace manufacturing, has announced plans to cut around 300 Australian-based manufacturing jobs. According to Bloomberg News, “The jobs will be eliminated by the end of the year, Boeing spokeswoman Caroline Bell said today in an e-mailed statement.” Although Boeing is a U.S.-based company and top exporter, Australia remains Boeing’s second…

March Gains Drive Further Confidence in U.S. Manufacturing
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March Gains Drive Further Confidence in U.S. Manufacturing

The latest numbers from March 2014 supports recent reports regarding yearend confidence for the revival of U.S. manufacturing. According to Bloomberg News, “The Institute for Supply Management’s index increased to 53.7 from 53.2 a month earlier, the Tempe, Arizona-based group said today. Readings above 50 indicate expansion. The median forecast in a Bloomberg survey of…

Major Eyewear Company Sees Google Glass Vision Clearly

Major Eyewear Company Sees Google Glass Vision Clearly

On March 24, Google announced its recent partnership with Luxottica Group. The partnership will pin Luxottica Group as a major provider for Google Glass Frames. According to Luxottica, “[Luxottica’s] wholesale distribution touches 130 Countries in all the 5 continents and makes use of 20 logistic centers and more than 40 commercial subsidiaries, that allows a…

HP Slated to Redesign its Market Space with 3D Printing

HP Slated to Redesign its Market Space with 3D Printing

According to a report by Forbes, “Hewlett-Packard’s CEO, Meg Whitman, at the shareholders meeting on March 20, announced that the company is planning to enter the 3D printer space by the end of this Fiscal year. (HP’s fiscal year ends on 31st October.)” In recent years, 3D printing has presented both a unique challenge and…

Italian Manufacturing Confidence Rises; Fiskars Closes Two Units
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Italian Manufacturing Confidence Rises; Fiskars Closes Two Units

With the rising confidence in U.S. manufacturing, another unlikely global player quietly takes the stage. According to Market Watch, “Italy’s composite business confidence index, a broader indicator subsuming retail, market-services and construction sectors, also rose, to 89.5 in March from 88.2 in February. The new level is the highest since September 2011.”

Obama Targets Big Truck Fuel Mileage: What Does This Mean for Business?

Obama Targets Big Truck Fuel Mileage: What Does This Mean for Business?

On Tuesday Feb. 18, President Obama announced new regulations for big trucks and fuel economy. In his recent address, the president stated: “Heavy-duty trucks account for just 4 percent of all the vehicles on the highway. […] But they’re responsible for about 20 percent of carbon pollution in the transportation sector. So trucks like these…