Buyer Analytics

Currencies are fluctuating widely. The euro hit a fresh two-year intra-day low against the dollar Thursday near $1.27, while the U.K. pound declined to a five-year low near $1.60. Against the yen, the dollar fell to as low as ¥95.94 Thursday, its lowest since March.

Hotel prices heading down. After years of dictating the terms to corporate travelers, hotels now find the roles reversed. Time for a hotel bid event is now.

Energy chief urges OPEC not to cut oil production. Oil producers also largest equity holders. Low oil prices good for them.

Detroit fears the worst as GM merger talks roll on. This will be bad for suppliers.

Easing energy prices and the weakening economy have turned around this year's run up. With commodities down, should you lock in prices now?

Advice from Spend Matters on dealing with supplier bankruptcy: "Put in place a rapid switchover process that you can execute more quickly than a regular supplier changeover and ramp-up period. Know what corners you can cut and those you can't before you need to use this process."

Economists say weaker global economic growth in European economies, Japan and Canada will reduce demand growth for U.S.-made goods in the coming year by around 6%.