News & Insights

The closing weeks of 2025 provided mixed signals about what 2026 may provide for businesses. According to Business Insider, inflation in the United States slowed to 2.7% year-over-year in November 2025, a significant decline from earlier in the year and below many economists' forecasts. While some of this easing may be due to data distortion from a prolonged federal government shutdown, the trend suggests that price pressures are not as unanchored as they once were. For business leaders, this means it is time to revisit pricing strategies and cost projections, but they should not assume that inflation is "solved."

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Global real GDP is projected to grow at approximately 3.1% in 2026 according to the International Monetary Fund, signaling steady but restrained expansion rather than a surge. That kind of environment rewards businesses that make intentional decisions, not those waiting for momentum to magically return.

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As 2026 approaches, forecasts are predicting that U.S. real GDP growth will slow to 1.8%–2.0% in 2026 (EY US Economic Outlook), indicating a softer momentum compared to the post-pandemic recovery. Several economic models now estimate the likelihood of a recession within the next 12 to 18 months at about 39% to 40% (Bankrate Economic Indicator Survey). Consumer spending, which is crucial for most industries, is expected to decline further in the upcoming quarters, according to some reports (EY Economic Outlook). These indicators illustrate an economy that may enter low-growth territory, resulting in uneven demand where operational discipline becomes increasingly essential.

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Every year, as the holiday shopping season approaches, inboxes and feeds fill up with deal emails, countdown timers, and “limited-time offers.” This isn’t just retail hype; it’s also prime territory for scam artists. A recent global study found that 78% of Americans believe that cyber criminals increase their activities during the holidays. This means that what appears to be a great deal could actually be a trap. The urgency tactic, with messages like “Act now! Only 2 items left!”, is one of scammers’ most effective tools.

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When culture thrives, productivity and revenue follow. Research from Great Place to Work found that companies recognized for their strong, trust-based cultures generated an average revenue per employee of $883,928, roughly eight times higher than the U.S. average. Likewise, Gallup reported that organizations with highly engaged employees, a direct result of a strong culture, outperform their peers by 21% in profitability. The connection is clear: when employees feel trusted, aligned, and supported, they produce more, innovate faster, and waste less energy navigating dysfunction.

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When companies discuss growth, they often focus on sales targets, product innovation, or marketing strategies. However, research consistently shows that the true driver of growth lies deeper within the company culture. A study by Deloitte found that 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe that a distinct workplace culture is crucial to business success. Yet, few organizations regard it as a strategic asset. The reality is straightforward: culture not only makes a company a better place to work but also strengthens its growth and profitability.

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According to PWC, 66% of C-suite executives believe that company culture matters more to performance than an organization’s strategy or operating model. When discussing culture, many people tend to focus on superficial aspects, such as posters on the wall, ping-pong tables, or “fun” team outings. But real culture is the operating system; it’s a shared understanding of how things are done, what behaviors are rewarded, and what behaviors are tolerated.

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The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about a rise in loan processing phishing scams. They have received over 1,500 reports through their Scam Tracker system from individuals who received calls or voicemails from people pretending to be loan company agents according from The Better Business Bureau. These scammers pressure victims into sharing personal or financial information, often claiming they need to “finalize” a loan application.

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The most obvious issue is human error. Even the most diligent staff can make mistakes, which can lead to significant costs. According to the SenseTask, over 60% of invoice errors stem from manual data entry, such as when teams input amounts, codes, or vendor details by hand. These errors waste time and can increase processing costs by up to 20% due to the need for rework and corrections, according to Resolve Pay. Given that accuracy is crucial for financial reporting and vendor relationships, even minor mistakes can have major consequences.

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A government shutdown doesn't mean businesses are left without support. Integro Bank is open for business and actively accepting applications and underwriting your loan. We will work with your business to complete all underwriting and closing prep now so that as soon as SBA reopens, we can effectively and efficiently move directly to closing, ensuring your business receives the lending you need without additional delays.

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