With business leaders facing volatile headlines and uncertainty heading into 2026, understanding the real economic signals has never mattered more. Principal Economists Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce of Stantec join host Victoria Meyer to break down the trends shaping the chemical industry, from the current state of macroeconomic headwinds and tailwinds to the impact of policy moves, interest rates, and global demand. Together, they discuss how companies can separate data from sentiment, apply scenario planning, and stress-test their outlooks in a dynamic marketplace.
Victoria, Jeremy, and Patrick explore the hard financial data leaders should be monitoring—ranging from bookings, backlogs, and billings to corporate profitability and the health of the consumer. They highlight how strategic pricing, scenario analysis, and a keen eye on the bond market can help chemical leaders build resilient plans for 2026 and beyond. The episode wraps with practical leadership advice for navigating unpredictability and maintaining confidence during uncertain times.
Victoria, Jeremy, and Patrick discuss the following:
- 2025–2026 Chemical Outlook: Modest growth expected and key market signals for decision-makers.
- Strategic planning approaches for uncertain economic conditions and scenario testing.
- How tariffs, taxes, and regulations in major markets impact chemicals.
- Data Over Hype: Focus on financial metrics (bookings, backlogs, billings) vs. market sentiment.
- Leading Through Uncertainty: Practical strategies for confident leadership during volatile times.
Killer Quote: "The US economy is an aircraft carrier. It does not turn on a dime. So all these signals have been manifesting throughout the course of this year suggesting modest, mild growth for 2025. And what Jeremy and I have been telling our clients to plan for is additional modest mild growth in 2026." — Patrick Luce
00:00 Chemical Summit 2025 Preview
05:08 "Planning with a Macroeconomic Focus"
10:15 "Business Growth Analysis Essentials"
13:10 2026 Economic Outlook Challenges
17:30 Plan for Contingencies, Stress Test
21:07 Rising Interest Payments: Global Impact
25:06 Strategic Pricing Amid Inflation Challenges
28:03 Focus on Hard Financial Data
31:28 Consumer Resilience Amid Economic Changes
33:02 Chemical Market's Post-Peak Adjustments
37:23 Bond Market's Impact on Mortgages
39:09 "Confidence in Informed Decisions"
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