Current developments affecting demand, staffing, pricing, technology and client-service economics across professional firms. Updated as the evidence changes.
New since September 30: 1 verified update. Earlier intelligence remains below.
ISM’s September services price index reached 74.0. Demand is still growing, but fuel, labor and software charges are weighing on operating costs.
DevelopingTechnologyThe Federal Trade Commission has opened a probe into leading AI developers. Businesses using agents now have a clearer reason to treat permissions, logging and human approval as operating controls.
MixedLaborAugust payrolls rose in consulting and architecture/engineering while accounting, IT services, R&D and advertising declined.
DivergingPricingLegal-service producer prices were up 7.8% year over year, while management consulting prices were down 3.0%.
AcceleratingAICensus research found AI use especially high at very large firms in Professional Services, Information and Finance.
DevelopingOperationsAmong firms using AI, 57% used it in three or fewer business functions and 65% limited worker use to three or fewer task types.
Latest evidence: Institute for Supply Management