NACM’s Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) turned around as the summer comes to a close, showing positive readings for the first time in two months. These higher readings show signs of stability for the near future, though the stability may not last with the threat of inflation and on-going trade wars.
The combined CMI score for August went up by 0.3 points, with the most increase seen in the favorable sectors. The unfavorables, however, began to approach a score less than 50—falling dangerously close to contraction territory.
Much like last month’s reading, this month saw the most positive readings in the manufacturing sector. Credit managers reported an increase in the amount of credit extended and also sales, along with more credit applications and dollar collections.
The service sector only gained a tenth of a point this month, with dollar collections and new credit applications the only factors that saw an increase from July. Sales saw the least improvement and extending credit did not see much improvement either.
For the full report, visit nacm.org. Be sure to participate in the September CMI when the survey opens on Monday, Sept. 10. The survey will close on Friday, Sept. 14, so stay up to date by visiting the NACM website for more information.
—Christie Citranglo, editorial associate
Be Extra Cautious When Lending to Micro-SMBs
When credit managers are extending lines of credit, the size
of their customers’ business is a factor to weigh in the decision-making
process. Just because a business is small doesn’t mean it will never get
credit, but both parties have to remain more alert. On Aug. 27, global fintech
company Tide explained how micro-SMBs (small- to medium-sized business), those
typically having less than 10 employees, exhibit a few specific risks in
connection to their size.
As small businesses are getting off the ground, Tide CEO Oliver Prill told PYMNTS, there’s always a chance they won’t make it. There is great probability that costs will run high in the business’ early stages, leaving potential creditors uncertain about the investment. Although Tide is not a direct lender, the company is a data provider that helps manage credit risk for such businesses.
Unfortunately, Prill continued, smaller businesses are also more susceptible to financial crimes, such as money laundering, which again deters credit managers. According to an article by Influencive, micro-SMBs are prime targets because “many startups lack the resources to recover once their business operations have been interrupted and/or their brand’s reputation has been compromised.”
“For this reason, it is of paramount importance for small businesses to consult with cybersecurity experts and utilize IT services that ensure the security of their networks,” Influencive states. “Also, by deploying an IT infrastructure, small business [should] not only streamline their business operations, but also become competent enough to fight off the competition and survive hostile markets.”
—Andrew Michaels, editorial associate
As small businesses are getting off the ground, Tide CEO Oliver Prill told PYMNTS, there’s always a chance they won’t make it. There is great probability that costs will run high in the business’ early stages, leaving potential creditors uncertain about the investment. Although Tide is not a direct lender, the company is a data provider that helps manage credit risk for such businesses.
Unfortunately, Prill continued, smaller businesses are also more susceptible to financial crimes, such as money laundering, which again deters credit managers. According to an article by Influencive, micro-SMBs are prime targets because “many startups lack the resources to recover once their business operations have been interrupted and/or their brand’s reputation has been compromised.”
“For this reason, it is of paramount importance for small businesses to consult with cybersecurity experts and utilize IT services that ensure the security of their networks,” Influencive states. “Also, by deploying an IT infrastructure, small business [should] not only streamline their business operations, but also become competent enough to fight off the competition and survive hostile markets.”
—Andrew Michaels, editorial associate
China and US Enter Second Day of Trade Talks
China and the U.S. have entered the second day of trade talks with hopes to smooth over an uncertainty left behind the potential tariffs on imported goods.
As of Aug. 23, both economies have proposed tariffs on imported goods worth about $16 billion. This will make the total value of Chinese goods affected by the Trump administration $100 billion, from steel to soybeans. It is unlikely both powers will make any “meaningful progress” during trade discussions, according to a recent article in Bloomberg.
Many analysts predict the Trump administration will not lighten up in these trade talks, given how the administration has not softened any hard lines toward China in the recent past. According to Bloomberg, the president also widened the gap in the trade wars when he continued to spread rhetoric about China using “currency manipulation,” which has historically been a point of contention between the U.S. and China. The trade team is also putting more pressure on Beijing, as stated in the same Bloomberg piece.
U.S. officials will be meeting with delegations from the E.U. and Japan in Washington, D.C., Aug. 24 to further discuss Chinese trade.
—Christie Citranglo, editorial associate
As of Aug. 23, both economies have proposed tariffs on imported goods worth about $16 billion. This will make the total value of Chinese goods affected by the Trump administration $100 billion, from steel to soybeans. It is unlikely both powers will make any “meaningful progress” during trade discussions, according to a recent article in Bloomberg.
Many analysts predict the Trump administration will not lighten up in these trade talks, given how the administration has not softened any hard lines toward China in the recent past. According to Bloomberg, the president also widened the gap in the trade wars when he continued to spread rhetoric about China using “currency manipulation,” which has historically been a point of contention between the U.S. and China. The trade team is also putting more pressure on Beijing, as stated in the same Bloomberg piece.
U.S. officials will be meeting with delegations from the E.U. and Japan in Washington, D.C., Aug. 24 to further discuss Chinese trade.
—Christie Citranglo, editorial associate
Simulation Tech Enhances Decision-Making Process for Infrastructure Projects
In some way, shape or form, artificial intelligence (AI) is making a
name for itself in the business community. The construction industry is
no exception as recently seen in the United Kingdom, where a $4.5
million investment will fund a software company’s latest technological
endeavor to create real-world simulations of infrastructure projects.
Startup software company SenSat secured the funding from three investors earlier this month, TechCrunch reported. SenSat’s equipment uses drone imagery and spatial data to simulate a location, said CEO James Dean, who also told TechCrunch that the technology gets a better image via drone compared to satellites, which are typically much further away. The images are then infused with sets of data, giving computers the ability to determine the best course of action regarding the project’s design.
This concept is known as “machine learning,” meaning AI can improve itself over time without human intervention.
“On a technical level, it allows us to build simulated realities for medium to small physical areas, which we have known variables for,” Dean said in the article. “This means we can check and quantify our results against the real world, helping us build a foundation that can scale in size and complexity.”
While the traditional approach may cost more time and money, Dean noted that the SenSat tech is able to assess thousands of infrastructure design options in minutes, not only saving millions of dollars but also significantly improving the decision-making process.
According to a Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. report, more and more venture capitalists are investing in global construction technology, with startups receiving more than $1 billion in the first half of 2018. Investment in the U.S. alone is about 30% higher than all of 2017.
—Andrew Michaels, editorial associate
Startup software company SenSat secured the funding from three investors earlier this month, TechCrunch reported. SenSat’s equipment uses drone imagery and spatial data to simulate a location, said CEO James Dean, who also told TechCrunch that the technology gets a better image via drone compared to satellites, which are typically much further away. The images are then infused with sets of data, giving computers the ability to determine the best course of action regarding the project’s design.
This concept is known as “machine learning,” meaning AI can improve itself over time without human intervention.
“On a technical level, it allows us to build simulated realities for medium to small physical areas, which we have known variables for,” Dean said in the article. “This means we can check and quantify our results against the real world, helping us build a foundation that can scale in size and complexity.”
While the traditional approach may cost more time and money, Dean noted that the SenSat tech is able to assess thousands of infrastructure design options in minutes, not only saving millions of dollars but also significantly improving the decision-making process.
According to a Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. report, more and more venture capitalists are investing in global construction technology, with startups receiving more than $1 billion in the first half of 2018. Investment in the U.S. alone is about 30% higher than all of 2017.
—Andrew Michaels, editorial associate
‘Good Hires’ Are Hard to Find in Canadian IT Departments
A company is only as good as its employees, and if they
don’t have the proper skills to do their job, business becomes much more
complicated. According to new research, a vast majority of Canadian corporate
hiring managers in the technology sector said they are having trouble making
“the right hire,” specifically finding employees who have the skillset required
for the position.
During an online survey by job search service Robert Half Technology, 270 senior managers in Canada shared their thoughts on hiring for their respective IT departments, 93% admitting to making a bad hire. The top three reasons for bad hires, ranked most to least common, included unsuitable corporate culture fit, inadequate skills and interpersonal issues. Hiring managers said the hardest part of the job interview was evaluating candidates’ technical skills.
“Not only do they cost organizations time and money, inadequate hires also impact overall productivity and morale, especially if the rest of the team is picking up the slack,” Robert Half Technology District Director Deborah Bottineau said in the study. “Strong candidates are easier to identify when you have a clear understanding of your organization’s values and needs.”
Hiring managers recommended recruiters be crystal clear about the open position by providing potential hires with as much information about the job as possible. In addition to conducting a technical assessment to better understand the individual’s capabilities, they also suggested getting other departments involved in the hiring process and even taking the employee on a trial run before making the hire official.
NACM Economist Chris Kuehl, Ph.D., said many industries are in a tough spot in regards to hiring because a lot of available workers aren’t equipped with the necessary job skills.
“The bulk of hiring now has been some form of poaching, where companies are recruiting from other companies,” Kuehl said. “There are also more people electing to just quit their current job in search for something new. The overall sense of the situation is stability.”
—Andrew Michaels, editorial associate
During an online survey by job search service Robert Half Technology, 270 senior managers in Canada shared their thoughts on hiring for their respective IT departments, 93% admitting to making a bad hire. The top three reasons for bad hires, ranked most to least common, included unsuitable corporate culture fit, inadequate skills and interpersonal issues. Hiring managers said the hardest part of the job interview was evaluating candidates’ technical skills.
“Not only do they cost organizations time and money, inadequate hires also impact overall productivity and morale, especially if the rest of the team is picking up the slack,” Robert Half Technology District Director Deborah Bottineau said in the study. “Strong candidates are easier to identify when you have a clear understanding of your organization’s values and needs.”
Hiring managers recommended recruiters be crystal clear about the open position by providing potential hires with as much information about the job as possible. In addition to conducting a technical assessment to better understand the individual’s capabilities, they also suggested getting other departments involved in the hiring process and even taking the employee on a trial run before making the hire official.
NACM Economist Chris Kuehl, Ph.D., said many industries are in a tough spot in regards to hiring because a lot of available workers aren’t equipped with the necessary job skills.
“The bulk of hiring now has been some form of poaching, where companies are recruiting from other companies,” Kuehl said. “There are also more people electing to just quit their current job in search for something new. The overall sense of the situation is stability.”
—Andrew Michaels, editorial associate
Late Payments Bring Summertime Blues to UK
Just as accountants experience a busy time of year during tax
season, small- to medium-sized enterprise (SME) credit managers in the United
Kingdom are finding their summers cut short to spend more time hunting down
late payments. In fact, 60% of U.K. SMBs are exchanging summer holidays for
more workdays dedicated to the task, according to Online Payments Company
GoCardless.
“They will only typically pay at the end of the month or on the 15th of the month, and they will not typically pay invoices early to account for their internal processes,” a 2018 respondent said. “As [with] anywhere, you always end up with some customers that have cashflow issues."
—Andrew Michaels, editorial associate
On Aug. 14, Global
Banking & Finance Review published an article about a recent GoCardless
survey, which found that late payments increase substantially during the summer
months for two-thirds of SME owners. While 20% of respondents spend three
working days dedicated to late payments, 10% said they spend nine days.
“SMEs are the lifeblood of the U.K. economy and it’s not
right for them to be denying themselves valuable time to recharge their
batteries just to chase late payments,” Josh Sasto, head of partnerships at
GoCardless, said in the article. “On-time payment is a right, not a privilege.”
Furthermore, 57% of respondents who do take vacation said
they will spend some of that time off addressing their customers’ late
payments.
FCIB’s International Credit and Collections survey of the
United Kingdom told a different story. According to July 2017 results, more
than half of respondents said there was no change in payment delays, with
nearly a quarter of respondents reporting no payment delays. Only 16% said
payment delays were increasing, but that number dropped to 9% in the April 2018
survey.
“They will only typically pay at the end of the month or on the 15th of the month, and they will not typically pay invoices early to account for their internal processes,” a 2018 respondent said. “As [with] anywhere, you always end up with some customers that have cashflow issues."
—Andrew Michaels, editorial associate
Small Business Optimism Reaches New High During July
Small businesses can breathe a sigh of relief moving forward as this past month saw a rise in expansion and higher nominal sales, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ (NFIB) July Small Business Optimism Index. The index reached a near-record high of 107.9, just one-tenth of a point shy of the highest record ever recorded, which was in July 1983.
This month’s survey also set a record for owners reporting job creation plans and for owners reporting job openings. About 23% of owners anticipate having job openings in the near future, which is three points higher than last month’s survey. Conversely, 37% of owners also reported having job openings they could not fill, seeing a one-point increase from last month.
The survey also predicts expansion will continue, remaining a priority for small businesses. Expansion seems to be more possible with 8% of survey respondents reporting higher nominal sales in the past three months compared to the three months previous. Similarly, 35% of business owners are expecting better business conditions in the upcoming months, moving up two points in total since June.
“Small business owners are leading this economy and expressing optimism rivaling the highest levels in history,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan in a press release. “Expansion continues to be a priority for small businesses who show no signs of slowing as they anticipate more sales and better business conditions.”
—Christie Citranglo, editorial associate
This month’s survey also set a record for owners reporting job creation plans and for owners reporting job openings. About 23% of owners anticipate having job openings in the near future, which is three points higher than last month’s survey. Conversely, 37% of owners also reported having job openings they could not fill, seeing a one-point increase from last month.
The survey also predicts expansion will continue, remaining a priority for small businesses. Expansion seems to be more possible with 8% of survey respondents reporting higher nominal sales in the past three months compared to the three months previous. Similarly, 35% of business owners are expecting better business conditions in the upcoming months, moving up two points in total since June.
“Small business owners are leading this economy and expressing optimism rivaling the highest levels in history,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan in a press release. “Expansion continues to be a priority for small businesses who show no signs of slowing as they anticipate more sales and better business conditions.”
—Christie Citranglo, editorial associate
Nonresidential Spending Predicted to Grow in 2019
Nonresidential construction spending is expected to take a step back
in 2019 compared to 2018; however, overall nonresidential building is
still predicted to grow. At the start of the year, economists from
different firms polled by The American Institute of Architects (AIA),
said views have changed for the better, according to the recently
released consensus forecast from AIA.
"At the halfway point of the year, this panel is even more optimistic," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, Ph.D. in the release. Overall nonresidential building was predicted to have a 4.7% growth in 2018 and a 4% growth in 2019. At the beginning of the year, it was projected that nonresidential spending would increase 4% this year and slightly under that next year.
Commercial/industrial is expected to have a large drop-off next year, coming in at 3.4% growth compared to nearly 7% this year. However, industrial growth is forecasted to increase 5% year-over-year. Meanwhile, the institutional sector is expected to remain the same at 4.5% growth. Public safety is forecasted to see a large drop in growth as well from 10.9% to 5.9%.
"If these projections materialize, by the end of next year the industry will have seen nine years of consecutive growth, and total spending on nonresidential buildings will be 5% greater—ignoring inflationary adjustments—than the last market peak of 2008," added Baker.
-Michael Miller, managing editor
For the latest construction credit news, visit NACM's Secured Transaction Services at nacmsts.com.
"At the halfway point of the year, this panel is even more optimistic," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, Ph.D. in the release. Overall nonresidential building was predicted to have a 4.7% growth in 2018 and a 4% growth in 2019. At the beginning of the year, it was projected that nonresidential spending would increase 4% this year and slightly under that next year.
Commercial/industrial is expected to have a large drop-off next year, coming in at 3.4% growth compared to nearly 7% this year. However, industrial growth is forecasted to increase 5% year-over-year. Meanwhile, the institutional sector is expected to remain the same at 4.5% growth. Public safety is forecasted to see a large drop in growth as well from 10.9% to 5.9%.
"If these projections materialize, by the end of next year the industry will have seen nine years of consecutive growth, and total spending on nonresidential buildings will be 5% greater—ignoring inflationary adjustments—than the last market peak of 2008," added Baker.
-Michael Miller, managing editor
For the latest construction credit news, visit NACM's Secured Transaction Services at nacmsts.com.
Samsung Invests Big Money in AI Amid Smartphone Security Issues
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the wave of the future and
Samsung knows it. The South Korean conglomerate announced Aug. 8 that it plans
to invest more than $22 billion (25 trillion Korean won) over a three-year
period to expand AI and additional technological research.
In an effort to fuel growth through 2020, Samsung states it
will also funnel the majority of funds into Samsung Electronics with a focus on
auto technology and fifth-generation (5G) cellular technology, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.
The latest announcement brings the company’s total technology investment to
about $161 billion, or 180 trillion won. Samsung previously stated funds will
go toward capital expenditures and research and development regarding its
semiconductors and displays businesses.
“The company plans to build an internal team of at least
1,000 AI-dedicated engineers and researchers by 2020, with new hires and worker
reassignments” at the newly-opened centers in Cambridge, U.K., Toronto and
Moscow, WSJ states. “By that year,
Samsung wants to put AI features and internet connectivity into all its
products.”
In the meantime, Samsung Electronics researchers are busy addressing
a security issue with the Galaxy S7 smartphone involving a microchip flaw that
enables hackers to spy on users. Researcher Michael Schwarz told CNBC that
“potentially hundreds of millions of phones” are affected by vulnerabilities
known as Meltdown and Spectre, which can reveal passwords and banking
information. Samsung continues to fight against the problem, having recently
released its second update in July to prevent breaches.
—Andrew Michaels, editorial associate
Shipment Delays Possible After Apple Supplier Suffers Computer Virus Outbreak
Technology is a blessing and a curse, and at the moment, it
is more of the latter for Apple. On Aug. 3, one of Apple’s suppliers suffered a
computer virus outbreak, which CNBC reports may lead to shipment delays on
behalf of the supplier. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) manufactures
the chip processors used in Apple iPhones.
According to CNBC, the possible shipment delays will impact TSMC’s third quarter revenue by 3%, or $255 million, after the virus struck “a number of computer systems” and fab tools used to make the chips. The supplier was expected to resolve all issues by Monday, Aug. 6, and TSMC states the outbreak occurred because of incorrectly installed software. However, no confidential information was released.
Three days after the outbreak, analysts are waiting to see how the supplier’s setback will affect Apple and the company’s rumored release of three new iPhones in late 2018. In a note published Aug. 6, Fubon Research forecasted that while the outbreak could delay the manufacturing of between 1.5 million to 1.7 million A12 chips, there wouldn’t be “a huge impact on iPhone production.”
“Since TSMC indicated the delayed shipment from this incident will be recovered in the following quarter, we think there will be no meaningful impact on Apple’s new coming iPhone,” Fubon states. “In our view, ‘misoperation’ is simply not good enough an explanation. … We think TSMC needs to provide more details of what happened to alleviate the security concerns of customers and long-term investors.”
If there are any impacts to Apple, the consumer electronics company is typically prepared for such delays by ordering surplus supplies, KGI analysts added in the CNBC report.
—Andrew Michaels, editorial associate
According to CNBC, the possible shipment delays will impact TSMC’s third quarter revenue by 3%, or $255 million, after the virus struck “a number of computer systems” and fab tools used to make the chips. The supplier was expected to resolve all issues by Monday, Aug. 6, and TSMC states the outbreak occurred because of incorrectly installed software. However, no confidential information was released.
Three days after the outbreak, analysts are waiting to see how the supplier’s setback will affect Apple and the company’s rumored release of three new iPhones in late 2018. In a note published Aug. 6, Fubon Research forecasted that while the outbreak could delay the manufacturing of between 1.5 million to 1.7 million A12 chips, there wouldn’t be “a huge impact on iPhone production.”
“Since TSMC indicated the delayed shipment from this incident will be recovered in the following quarter, we think there will be no meaningful impact on Apple’s new coming iPhone,” Fubon states. “In our view, ‘misoperation’ is simply not good enough an explanation. … We think TSMC needs to provide more details of what happened to alleviate the security concerns of customers and long-term investors.”
If there are any impacts to Apple, the consumer electronics company is typically prepared for such delays by ordering surplus supplies, KGI analysts added in the CNBC report.
—Andrew Michaels, editorial associate
China Retaliates With US Tariffs
The trade and tariff wars continue between the U.S. and China, this time with China threatening new tariffs. China announced Aug. 3 it will impose a retaliatory tariff on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods, according to a recent Reuters article.
The tariffs will affect liquefied natural gas (LNG) and select aircraft, with China threatening to add other goods, and warning it will not hold back in the trade war with the U.S. The tariffs will range between 5% and 25%. The timing of these tariffs is dependent on U.S. actions, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement.
Just this week, the Trump administration built up pressure for trade concessions from Beijing with its proposal of a 25% higher tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. Due to this threat, China promised retaliation—unless the U.S. acts less rashly and seeks to resolve these disputes. Since the U.S. did not back down, tariffs will begin to rise in both the U.S. and China.
—Christie Citranglo, editorial associate
The tariffs will affect liquefied natural gas (LNG) and select aircraft, with China threatening to add other goods, and warning it will not hold back in the trade war with the U.S. The tariffs will range between 5% and 25%. The timing of these tariffs is dependent on U.S. actions, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement.
Just this week, the Trump administration built up pressure for trade concessions from Beijing with its proposal of a 25% higher tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. Due to this threat, China promised retaliation—unless the U.S. acts less rashly and seeks to resolve these disputes. Since the U.S. did not back down, tariffs will begin to rise in both the U.S. and China.
—Christie Citranglo, editorial associate
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