The week of December 30, 2025

Weekly Economic & Business Outlook

Latest Economic Outlook
  • Lower-than-expected inflation heralds both positive and negative implications for the economy.
  • The relatively bumpy trend of price growth has accompanied a steadily rising unemployment rate.
  • Client hesitancy will remain in 2026 until lower rates and other stimulus reheats the labor market.
Latest Staffing Research
  • CFOs’ year-ahead optimism about their own firms edged down in the fourth quarter.
  • Four in 10 CFOs expect to fill new positions at their firms in the year ahead.
  • Lack of qualified applicants remains a challenge for employers.

The ASA Weekly Economic Business Outlook is for members of the American Staffing Association.

Maybe it’s time to join! Or if you’re already a member, please log in.


Staffing in 60 Seconds

Here’s an abridged preview of our latest insights on the current state of the staffing industry and the economy at large. It’s the most powerful and targeted data and analysis tool available to staffing professionals—released exclusively to ASA members each and every week!


This Week’s Economic Outlook
  • Average hourly earnings have struggled to keep pace with inflation.
  • Compensation will continue to outpace inflation given declining inflation, moderating labor market dynamics, and lower interest rates.
  • Staffing firms can keep offers competitive by accounting for inflation dynamics.
This Week’s Staffing Research
  • Elevated inflation and interest rates have increased compensation demands by workers.
  • A recent ASA Workforce Monitor® found many U.S. workers are still concerned about their finances.
  • Pessimism among workers regarding their finances has reduced labor churn.

ASA Data DashboardJoin today to get the research and data to give you a competitive edge.

ASA’s exclusive survey data on sales, employment, and industry trends gives members a true competitive edge and helps them to maximize revenue and income. ASA puts a wealth of other valuable research and data at your fingertips, too, including government data and the weekly ASA Staffing Index.

Learn more about ASA Membership

Or return to previous page

ASA Members, please log in

Sign in

Ready to join?

Get the insights you need to hone your competitive edge.