NFFS Economic Portal

NFFS Economic Portal

Economic intelligence for better business decisions.

Access economic analysis, forecasting and industry intelligence from ITR Economics—available exclusively to NFFS members.

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Why It Matters

See what’s coming before it reaches your business.

The NFFS Economic Portal helps members turn economic trends into practical business context—so you can better understand what is changing, what may be ahead and where to focus your attention.

Capital Investment

When should you invest?

Track the economic conditions that may influence equipment purchases, expansion plans and longer-term capital decisions.

Demand & Markets

Where is demand heading?

Understand the markets and indicators that may shape customer demand, production activity and future business conditions.

Workforce

What could labor trends mean?

Monitor employment, wages and labor-market trends that could affect recruiting, retention and workforce planning.

Business Planning

What should you prepare for?

Use forward-looking analysis to support budgeting, capacity planning and strategic decisions over the next 6–18 months.

Latest Update · October 2026

This month’s economic intelligence

Four signals worth watching now—and what they could mean for your business.

Signal 01

Capital Investment

Defense capital goods orders are up 31.2% year over year, highlighting opportunities in defense-related manufacturing as other markets face softer demand.

Signal 02

Manufacturing Outlook

U.S. manufacturing production is up 1.3% year over year, but growth remains uneven. High-tech and defense-related markets are positioned to outperform traditional sectors.

Signal 03

Consumer Spending

Consumer spending continues to support growth, but inflation and sluggish real wage growth are putting pressure on purchasing power, especially for discretionary purchases.

Signal 04

2027 Outlook

ITR Economics anticipates a flatter year for many manufacturing markets in 2027, with potential for modest contraction. Cost management and financial flexibility remain priorities.

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Economic intelligence your team can put to work.

Your NFFS membership gives your team access to economic analysis and forecasting from ITR Economics—helping you better understand what is happening now, what may be ahead and what it could mean for your business.

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