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The Indian Rupee slides to an over two-week low of around 87.95 against the US Dollar. Indian exports to the US are set to face 50% tariffs from Wednesday. The removal of Fed’s Cook by US President Trump has dampened its independence. The Indian Rupee (INR) declines to an over two-week low of around 87.95 against the US Dollar (USD) on Tuesday. The USD/INR pair extends its upside as the Indian Rupee faces selling pressure due to looming tariffs imposed by the United States (US) on imports from India, which will come into effect on Wednesday. US Homeland Security confirmed in early trade on Tuesday that Washington will impose an additional 25% tariff on all Indian-origin goods from Wednesday, Reuters reported. The agency added that the new duties will apply to goods entering the U.S. for consumption or withdrawn from a warehouse for consumption from 12:01 AM EDT on Wednesday or 9:31 PM IST. The imports from New Delhi to Washington are facing one of the highest tariffs among US trading partners for buying Oil from Russia. US President Donald Trump warned India that he would penalize India by increasing additional duties if it continued to buy Russian Oil. Trump increased reciprocal tariffs on India to 50%. The imposition of higher levies on Indian exports to the US has dampened the competitiveness of Indian products in the global market. The impact of looming tariffs is also visible on Indian equity markets, which have fallen like a house of cards right from the first tick on Tuesday. At the time of writing, Nifty50 is down 0.75% to near 24,770. Additionally, the continuous outflow of foreign investment in the Indian stock market has also battered the Indian Rupee. So far in August, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have sold Indian equities worth Rs. 28,217.26 crores. FIIs also remained net sellers in Indian equity markets in July and pared stake worth Rs. 47,666.68 crores. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is reportedly selling dollars via state-run banks to stabilize the rupee, Reuters reported. The table below shows the percentage change of Indian Rupee (INR) against listed major currencies today. Indian Rupee was the weakest against the US Dollar. USD EUR GBP JPY CAD AUD INR CHF USD 0.06% 0.04% -0.09% 0.04% 0.15% 0.16% 0.20% EUR -0.06% 0.06% -0.02% -0.01% 0.14% 0.05% 0.17% GBP -0.04% -0.06% -0.08% -0.04% 0.15% 0.08% 0.12% JPY 0.09% 0.02% 0.08% 0.05% 0.11% 0.14% 0.08% CAD -0.04% 0.01% 0.04% -0.05% 0.13% 0.15% 0.02% AUD -0.15% -0.14% -0.15% -0.11% -0.13% 0.01% -0.11% INR -0.16% -0.05% -0.08% -0.14% -0.15% -0.01% 0.05% CHF -0.20% -0.17% -0.12% -0.08% -0.02% 0.11% -0.05% The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Indian Rupee from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent INR (base)/USD (quote). Daily digest market movers: Indian Rupee weakens against US Dollar The USD/INR pair gains on weakness in the Indian Rupee. The US Dollar trades braodly flat on Tuesday as US President Trump has fired Federal Reserve (Fed) Governor Lisa Cook over mortgage allegations. Last week, US President Trump called Fed Governor Cook to resign after his political allies accused her of holding mortgages in Michigan and Georgia. In response, Cook stated that she had “no intention of being bullied to step down” from her position at the central bank, Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported. Market experts are seeing the ousting of Fed’s Cook as a serious attack by President Trump on Fed’s independence, which is an autonomous body whose decisions are independent of political influence. “The move is another example of concerns over the Fed’s independence weighing on the dollar and has implications for the potential make-up of the FOMC going forward, which could see more dovish-leaning members. That adds to rate-cut prospects and a softer dollar outlook,” analysts at OCBC said, Reuters reported. For a decent period of time, US Trump also threatened to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell for not lowering interest rates. However, Trump praised Powell after the Jackson Hole Symposium on Friday, in which the latter surprisingly delivered a dovish stance on the interest rate outlook. On Friday, Fed’s Powell argued that there is a need to adjust policy rates as labor market concerns have escalated. Powell’s dovish remarks intensified market expectations for an interest rate cut in the September policy meeting, however, he didn’t explicitly endorse a rate cut move for next month. For fresh cues on the monetary policy outlook, investors await US Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index (PCE) data for July, which is scheduled to be released on Friday. Technical Analysis: USD/INR aims to break above 88.00 The USD/INR pair reclaims the two-week high of around 87.95 on Tuesday. The near-term trend of the pair remains bullish as it holds above the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), which trades near 8742. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) rises above 60.00. A fresh bullish momentum would emerge if the RSI holds above that level. Looking down, the July 28 low around 86.55 will act as key support for the major. On the upside, the August 5 high around 88.25 will be a critical hurdle for the pair. Tariffs FAQs Tariffs are customs duties levied on certain merchandise imports or a category of products. Tariffs are designed to help local producers and manufacturers be more competitive in the market by providing a price advantage over similar goods that can be imported. Tariffs are widely used as tools of protectionism, along with trade barriers and import quotas. Although tariffs and taxes both generate government revenue to fund public goods and services, they have several distinctions. Tariffs are prepaid at the port of entry, while taxes are paid at the time of purchase. Taxes are imposed on individual taxpayers and businesses, while tariffs are paid by importers.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil price falls on Tuesday, early in the European session. WTI trades at $64.29 per barrel, down from Monday’s close at $64.62.Brent Oil Exchange Rate (Brent crude) is also shedding ground, trading at $67.87 after its previous daily close at $68.21. WTI Oil FAQs WTI Oil is a type of Crude Oil sold on international markets. The WTI stands for West Texas Intermediate, one of three major types including Brent and Dubai Crude. WTI is also referred to as “light” and “sweet” because of its relatively low gravity and sulfur content respectively. It is considered a high quality Oil that is easily refined. It is sourced in the United States and distributed via the Cushing hub, which is considered “The Pipeline Crossroads of the World”. It is a benchmark for the Oil market and WTI price is frequently quoted in the media. Like all assets, supply and demand are the key drivers of WTI Oil price. As such, global growth can be a driver of increased demand and vice versa for weak global growth. Political instability, wars, and sanctions can disrupt supply and impact prices. The decisions of OPEC, a group of major Oil-producing countries, is another key driver of price. The value of the US Dollar influences the price of WTI Crude Oil, since Oil is predominantly traded in US Dollars, thus a weaker US Dollar can make Oil more affordable and vice versa. The weekly Oil inventory reports published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Energy Information Agency (EIA) impact the price of WTI Oil. Changes in inventories reflect fluctuating supply and demand. If the data shows a drop in inventories it can indicate increased demand, pushing up Oil price. Higher inventories can reflect increased supply, pushing down prices. API’s report is published every Tuesday and EIA’s the day after. Their results are usually similar, falling within 1% of each other 75% of the time. The EIA data is considered more reliable, since it is a government agency. OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a group of 12 Oil-producing nations who collectively decide production quotas for member countries at twice-yearly meetings. Their decisions often impact WTI Oil prices. When OPEC decides to lower quotas, it can tighten supply, pushing up Oil prices. When OPEC increases production, it has the opposite effect. OPEC+ refers to an expanded group that includes ten extra non-OPEC members, the most notable of which is Russia. Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page. If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted. The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice. Editors’ Picks EUR/USD trims gains below 1.1650 as Fed Governor Cook defies Trump EUR/USD holds gains after registering more than three-quarters of a percent in the previous session, trading around 1.1630 during the Asian hours on Tuesday. The pair holds ground as the US Dollar faces challenges amid concerns over Federal Reserve independence after the US President Donald Trump threatened to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook. GBP/USD: Bullish outlook remains in play near 1.3450 The GBP/USD pair edges lower to near 1.3450 during the early European session on Tuesday. The potential downside for the major pair might be limited after US President Donald Trump announced he was firing a Federal Reserve Governor, Lisa Cook. This, in turn, might raise concerns over the Fed’s independence and undermine the US Dollar in the near term.  Gold remains poised to test stiff resistance at $3,400 Gold pops as concerns over the Fed’s independence resurface after Trump fired Governor Cook. US Dollar attempts a tepid recovery, tracking US Treasury yields rebound but sellers will likely retain control. Technically, Gold stays supported whilst above $3,350 amid daily bullish RSI. Crypto market liquidations surge to $935M as Fartcoin, OKB, and CRV plunge The cryptocurrency market has incurred $935.44 million in liquidations over the last 24 hours, as Bitcoin drops below $110,000 and Ethereum slipped below $4,500 on Monday. This pullback extends the weakness from Sunday, resulting in a larger wipeout of retail leverage in the derivatives market.  AI boom or bubble? Three convictions for investors AI 2.0 = from “build it” to “prove it”: Big Tech’s AI investment is already in the hundreds of billions, but monetization remains modest. The cycle is shifting from spending on capacity to delivering productivity and revenue impact. Best Brokers for EUR/USD Trading SPONSORED Discover the top

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page. If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted. The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice. Editors’ Picks USD/JPY sustains the previous rebound above 147.50 USD/JPY holds its previous rebound, trading above 147.50 in Asian trading on Wednesday. A minor US Dollar upswing alongside US Treasury bond yields underpins the pair, but concerns over the Fed’s independence and Trump’s latest tariff threats weigh on sentiment, offering support to the safe-haven Japanese Yen and capping the pair’s upside.   Gold: Sellers lurk near $3,400 amid cautious optimism Gold is in a consolidation phase after reaching fresh two-week highs near $3,400 on Tuesday. The intensifying rivalry between President Trump and FOMC Governor Cook impacts sentiment, cushioning Gold’s downside. However, buyers remain cautious amid renewed US Dollar strength.  AI boom or bubble? Three convictions for investors AI 2.0 = from “build it” to “prove it”: Big Tech’s AI investment is already in the hundreds of billions, but monetization remains modest. The cycle is shifting from spending on capacity to delivering productivity and revenue impact. Best Brokers for EUR/USD Trading SPONSORED Discover the top brokers for trading EUR/USD in 2025. Our list features brokers with competitive spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, find the right partner to navigate the dynamic Forex market. Read More

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page. If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted. The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice. Editors’ Picks AUD/USD holds steady near key technical levels AUD/USD is holding steady between familiar technical levels after catching a thin bid on Tuesday. US economic releases will take a breather on Wednesday, giving Aussie traders a chance to catch their breath, at least after the next round of Australian Consumer Price Index inflation data. USD/JPY continues sideways grind ahead of key data USD/JPY eased slightly on Tuesday, backsliding around one-quarter of one percent and keeping the pair hobbled just below the 148.00 handle. The pair has been adrift in a tight consolidation pattern since the beginning of August, and Yen traders are unlikely to find much of a reason to kick off a new trend ahead of key economic data. Gold marching slowly towards $3,400 Gold is in a consolidation phase after reaching fresh two-week highs near $3,390 on Tuesday. The intensifying rivalry between President Trump and FOMC Governor Cook impacts on sentiment and keeps the US Dollar under pressure, morphing into extra wings to the precious metal. AI boom or bubble? Three convictions for investors AI 2.0 = from “build it” to “prove it”: Big Tech’s AI investment is already in the hundreds of billions, but monetization remains modest. The cycle is shifting from spending on capacity to delivering productivity and revenue impact. Best Brokers for EUR/USD Trading SPONSORED Discover the top brokers for trading EUR/USD in 2025. Our list features brokers with competitive spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, find the right partner to navigate the dynamic Forex market. Read More

According to Verizon Business’ Sixth Annual State of Small Business Survey, almost three-fourths (72%) of business decision-makers who upgraded their technology stack this past year say they’ve addressed challenges and led to positive business outcomes. Despite this positive outlook, many businesses remain mindful of broader market dynamics. Given this dichotomy, businesses would do well to take this opportunity to invest in technology that would help them build operational resilience and maintain competitive advantages. 5G and Operational Efficiency Contractors and field operations companies, such as plumbing and heating businesses, face evolving market and economic pressures. The rising costs of raw materials like copper, steel, and other metals have impacted essential equipment, such as HVAC systems. Additionally, increased transportation and logistics costs have created ripple effects on labor expenses and service costs. As a result, contractors are operating with tighter margins and seeking ways to optimize their operations. While businesses cannot control external market forces or material costs, they can improve operational efficiency. Enhanced connectivity and emerging technologies can help streamline field service operations to improve productivity and maintain healthy profit margins. Faster, secure connectivity offers new ways to improve field service operations, including route optimization, real-time assistance, predictive maintenance, and asset tracking. Route and Schedule Optimization 5G-enabled applications provide businesses with real-time data and location information to optimize scheduling and route planning. This allows for a comprehensive overview of technicians and queued jobs, enabling businesses to allocate appropriate time for service calls and prevent redundancies such as double-bookings. Consequently, personnel hours are increased, boosting overall productivity and resource utilization. Route optimization not only facilitates more appointments but also enhances operational fuel efficiency, helping to mitigate rising fuel costs. Predictive Maintenance In many ways, 5G is a force multiplier, allowing businesses to scale up and adopt technologies that allow them to do more, such as artificial intelligence (AI). As powerful as AI can be, it is a very compute-intensive technology, which is why 5G, with its greater speed and capacity, synergizes so well with AI-powered solutions. While only 33% of construction companies currently use AI tools, those that do are finding significant operational advantages. AI solutions, coupled with IoT sensors, can monitor vehicles and equipment to anticipate and prevent failure. Proactive upkeep extends the lifecycle ofmachines and reduces downtime. As such, vehicles can stay on the road longer while running more smoothly. The same goes for equipment. It’s easier to maintain than to fix or replace. Enhanced Real-Time Support Even expert technicians require assistance occasionally. Enhanced connectivity now provides real-time support that was previously impossible. High-fidelity video and audio calls enable subject matter experts to assist technicians on-site, reducing the need for additional service calls, which saves time and resources. High-quality training videos and other materials also serve as valuable on-demand resources. Advanced AR and VR tools facilitate remote guidance, helping technicians visualize machinery’s internal mechanisms. This improves diagnostics and streamlines troubleshooting for malfunctions or other issues through detailed step-by-step maintenance and repairs, ultimately reducing costly errors with significant financial implications for businesses. The Time to Streamline Efficient field service operations rely on seamless communication and streamlined processes. Delays from troubleshooting issues or miscommunication between the office and technicians can lead to customer dissatisfaction. Robust management platforms can decrease these challenges by enabling real-time management of personnel, assets, and resources. For small and midsize businesses, these technologies are essential, forming the foundation of lean, efficient operations that can withstand market uncertainties. Moreover, 5G-powered solutions help future-proof businesses, enabling them to thrive in any economic climate. The time is now to take steps towards increasing digital adoption. Business owners can think big, but start small. It only takes one step at a time to transform your business, scale and thrive. Read More

Verizon John Constantino is Vice President of Business Sales at Verizon Business. In this role, John is responsible for leading the mid-market wireless business team of 1,000 sales professionals for the Eastern region of the United States, serving small and midsize businesses with full-service connectivity and security solutions such as 5G, Business Internet, and One Talk. Read More

For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, precise metering and gentle handling of sensitive ingredients are critical for ensuring product quality and consistency. Peristaltic pumps excel in this regard, providing accurate and reliable pumping without compromising the integrity of the product. Similarly, in the food processing industry, where maintaining the texture and quality of products such as fruit preserves, sauces, and confectionery is paramount, peristaltic pumps offer an ideal solution. Their gentle pumping action minimizes shear forces, ensuring that delicate ingredients are handled with care. This not only improves product quality but also reduces waste and increases yield, leading to significant cost savings for manufacturers. In the mineral processing industry, often the mineral product slurries cannot be crushed, ground-up or damaged in any way after they have been produced. Abrasion Resistance One of the most significant advantages of peristaltic pumps is their high abrasion resistance. The design of these pumps minimizes contact between the pumped fluid and the pump components, reducing wear and tear and extending the life of both the pump and the hose. For industries handling abrasive materials such as mining, wastewater treatment, and lately the emerging lithium-ion battery recycling industry, this durability is crucial for maintaining consistent and reliable operation. Traditional pump technologies often suffer from rapid wear of the multiple wetted parts and require frequent maintenance and replacement of components. However, peristaltic pumps with advanced hose designs can withstand the harshest operating conditions, resulting in reduced downtime and lower maintenance costs. For example, in mining applications where pumps are exposed to highly abrasive slurries, peristaltic pumps with abrasion-resistant hoses can significantly extend service intervals, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and parts replacement. Similarly, in wastewater treatment plants, where pumps are required to handle corrosive chemicals and abrasive solids, peristaltic pumps offer unmatched reliability and durability. By minimizing wear and tear on pump components, these pumps help operators reduce maintenance costs and increase overall efficiency. Versatility Peristaltic pumps are also incredibly versatile, and capable of handling a wide range of fluids, including corrosive chemicals, viscous slurries, and abrasive materials. This versatility makes them well-suited for use in various industries. For example, in chemical processing plants, where a broad assortment of corrosive chemicals are used in manufacturing processes, peristaltic pumps offer an ideal solution. Their seal-free design and compatibility with a variety of elastomers make them suitable for handling even the most aggressive chemicals, ensuring reliable and efficient operation. Similarly, in wastewater treatment plants, where pumps are required to handle abrasive slurries and corrosive chemicals, peristaltic pumps provide unmatched versatility and reliability. Their ability to handle a variety of fluids with ease makes them an indispensable tool for operators looking to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime. Whether pumping corrosive acids, viscous slurries, or abrasive materials, peristaltic pumps deliver consistent and reliable performance, ensuring smooth operation in even the most challenging environments.  Dry Running Another key advantage of peristaltic pumps is their dry running capability. Unlike many traditional pump technologies, peristaltic pumps can run dry indefinitely without risk of damage. This reliability reduces the need for complex monitoring systems, making them a cost-effective and low-maintenance option. For industries where downtime is not an option, this dry running capability is invaluable. Their ability to run dry indefinitely ensures uninterrupted operation, even in the event of unexpected shutdowns or process interruptions such as a closed valve or a low supply tank level.  Easy to Maintain and Repair With only one wear part, the hose, peristaltic pumps are easy to maintain and repair. Routine maintenance tasks can be performed quickly and easily by onsite personnel, eliminating the need for specialized technicians which reduces downtime. This simplicity and ease of maintenance make peristaltic pumps an attractive option for many industries. By eliminating the need for specialized technicians and reducing downtime, these pumps help operators maximize efficiency and minimize operating costs. Whether pumping corrosive chemicals, abrasive slurries, or viscous fluids, peristaltic pumps deliver consistent and reliable performance, ensuring smooth operation in even the most demanding applications. Case Study: Peristaltic Pump Sodium Hypochlorite Service Success Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is widely used by municipal water treatment plants as an effective water disinfectant. However, traditional dosing pumps, such as Electrically Operated Double Diaphragm (EODD) pumps, are prone to vapor locking when gas bubbles build up in the feed system, leading to frequent manual venting and high maintenance costs. To address these issues, NETZSCH’s PERIPRO® peristaltic pump was specified for sodium hypochlorite dosing services. Its ability to run dry indefinitely, pump harsh chemicals, and accurately meter product flow has eliminated vapor locking problems, saving water utilities thousands of dollars per pump, per year. The PERIPRO® requires minimal maintenance, with only the elastomer hose needing replacement when necessary. After a year of continuous operation, the initial pumps are still performing well, demonstrating their reliability and cost-effectiveness. Read More

Watts has announced the recipients of this year’s Backflow Hero Award. Recipients were selected from nominations from the Watts backflow website. The Backflow Hero Award recognizes those who have made a significant impact in the field of backflow prevention and individuals that embody the following qualities: Passion for Protecting Drinking Water: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to safeguarding drinking water from the dangers of backflow. Innovative and Creative Thinking: Generates fresh, inventive ideas around backflow prevention. Commitment to Education: Actively seeks and provides continuing education about the importance and methods of backflow prevention. Enforcement of Best Practices: Upholds and promotes the highest standards and best practices in backflow prevention. The 2025 Backflow Hero Award recipients are: Bernie Clarke – Clarke Sales Bernie Clarke has been a towering figure in the backflow prevention industry. A true pioneer, Bernie launched his own backflow testing company in 1976 and has since become a nationally recognized expert. His contributions span field testing, product development, and thought leadership through countless articles and presentations. Bernie’s deep knowledge, real-world experience, and unwavering commitment to water conservation have made him a trusted advisor to professionals across the country.  Bob Buddo – Lewis Marketing Inc. With over 30 years of experience promoting backflow prevention needs and solutions, Bob is widely regarded as a trusted authority in the field. His deep understanding of cross-connection issues and familiarity with municipal systems have made him a valued resource. Many municipalities actively seek his guidance. He is a sought-after speaker both regionally and nationally, and he regularly presents at backflow training sessions for the North Carolina Rural Water Association and other organizations. To learn more, visit watts.com/BackflowHeroAward. Read More

TORONTO, CANADA —/PRNewswire/— Jobber, a leading provider of home service software, has released its latest Home Service Economic Report: Q2 2025. The edition combines Jobber’s proprietary platform data aggregated from more than 300,000 residential cleaners, landscapers, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, and more, with external economic indicators to provide comprehensive insight into the trends shaping the Home Service economy.  Despite a backdrop of elevated borrowing costs and cooling housing activity, Home Service businesses continue to demonstrate resilience, adapting through bundled offerings, value-driven services, and accelerated use of digital tools. “Home service pros continue to demonstrate their critical role in a complex economic environment,” said Sam Pillar, CEO and co-founder of Jobber. “While sectors tied to big-ticket spending are under some pressure, these businesses are thriving by focusing on essential, high-frequency services and building long-term trust with customers. In the face of cautious consumer sentiment and a cooling housing market, they’re leaning into recurring revenue, operational efficiency, and digital tools that drive both resilience and growth.” Key Insights from the Report Homeowners remain cautious but committed to maintenance and smaller projects. With high mortgage rates and limited affordability, many households are choosing to stay put and invest in preservation and incremental improvements rather than large-scale renovations. Recurring relationships are driving stability. Service pros with long-term customer relationships are better positioned to maintain revenue even as new work bookings fluctuate. Digital payments reach new highs. Nearly half (49%) of all transactions through Jobber were made digitally in Q2, showing homeowners increasingly expect seamless, mobile-friendly payment options. Segment Highlights: Green, Cleaning, Contracting, and Construction In Q2 2025, Home Service businesses saw mixed performance across segments, with a strong June helping offset slower results earlier in the quarter. Green and Cleaning businesses benefited from seasonal demand, recurring clients, and bundled service offerings, driving steady revenue growth despite softer new bookings. Contracting and Construction segments showed signs of stabilization, with urgent repairs and mid-sized projects fueling higher invoice values and early signs of recovery. A deeper breakdown is as follows: Green: Lawn care, landscaping, and other related outdoor services saw new work booked increase 2.5% year-over-year, with a strong June surge offsetting a slow spring. Median revenue grew 5.8% year-over-year, driven by bundled offerings and preventative care packages, which helped businesses capture seasonal demand. Cleaning: Residential and commercial cleaning, carpet cleaning, junk removal, and similar service businesses saw median revenue rise 8.1% year-over-year, fueled by recurring client relationships. New work scheduled declined 1.7% year-over-year, though June showed signs of recovery as price-sensitive homeowners returned to reliable, routine services. Contracting: Arborists, electricians, handymen, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and other non-construction trades experienced a 1.5% dip in new work scheduled year-over-year as non-essential upgrades were deferred. Urgent repairs drove higher-value jobs, boosting median revenue 5.2% year over year and average invoice size up 6.8% year over year. Construction: Residential and commercial building and remodeling businesses saw early signs of a rebound, with median revenue climbing 6.3% year-over-year. New work scheduled grew 1.3% year-over-year, aided by mid-sized projects re-entering the pipeline in June despite high financing costs. “Our Q2 data shows that the Home Service category is actively evolving to meet the moment,” said Abheek Dhawan, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Analytics at Jobber. “The rise in recurring work, urgent repair demand, and early signs of recovery in construction suggest a sector responding to uncertainty with smart, adaptive operations. Meanwhile, record-breaking digital payment usage reflects a growing preference for seamless, tech-enabled customer experiences.” To download the Jobber Home Service Economic Report: Q2 2025, visit: https://getjobber.com/home-service-reports/august-2025/ Read More

A total of 33 firms secured places on the Multiple Elements framework, split into two big lots covering both internal and external housing upgrades and responsive repairs works. The four-year deal is open to over 200 CHIC clients members, primarily housing associations and local authorities, but also members from the health and education sectors. CHIC Multiple Elements Framework Lot 1: Multiple Elements (Total value £520m) APC Building Services (London); Bell Group; CLC Contractors; DBM Building Contractors; Ecosafe Heating; Equans Regeneration; Etec Contract Services; Foster Property Maintenance; Guildmore; Hankinson Whittle; Hugh LS McConnell; Ian Williams; Image Creation; M&J Group (Construction & Roofing); Novus Property Solutions; PHS Home Solutions; R. Benson Property Maintenance; Re:Gen Yorkshire and East Midlands; Re-Gen (UK) Construction; Seddon Construction; Ser Contractor; Wates Property Services. Lot 2: Responsive Repairs & Voids (Value £450m) Axis Europe; Chigwell; DBM Building Contractors; Ecosafe Heating; Foster Property Maintenance; GB Group (Corporate); Herts Heritage Building and Roofing; Ian Williams; Laker Building Management Solutions; Lukemans; M.D. Building Services; PHS Home Solutions; Procast Building Contractors; Re-Gen (UK) Construction; Salopian Maintenance; Ser Contractor; Synergize; Wessex Electricals (Shaftesbury). Mini-competitions and direct awards will be used to procure work, with quality weighted at 50%, social value 10% and price 40%. Read More