Economic and Policy Perspectives with Dan Varroney | November 2, 2026
An election and a hiring decision tell us different things about America’s future. This week, we need to examine both. The midterms will help determine the direction of Congress. Employment reports and corporate earnings will help us judge whether businesses have the demand and confidence to invest and add people.
My policy test is practical: will lawmakers preserve incentives to invest, make timely permitting decisions and give employers dependable conditions under which to expand? Those choices reach the owner considering another facility and the family hoping for a good job close to home.
The employment evidence arrives in stages. Tuesday’s JOLTS report covers September’s job openings, hiring and turnover. Wednesday’s ADP report covers October private employment. Friday brings the broader October Employment Situation report. Hiring across industries, unemployment and revisions deserve attention together. One headline cannot establish how widely opportunity is reaching.
Corporate earnings provide another test. Listen for what executives are prepared to commit to equipment, productive capacity and employees, and what their customers’ orders justify. America has businesses capable of building a stronger economy. The question is whether policy, demand and financing conditions support their next commitment.
Business and association leaders: what would give you greater confidence to invest or hire before year-end?
Your next conference should help leaders turn economic uncertainty into better decisions about investment, hiring and growth. To discuss bringing that perspective to your audience, check speaking availability. Please include your organization, event date, audience and topic. Explore Dan’s economic outlook keynote.
Official release calendars: Bureau of Labor Statistics, November 2026 and ADP National Employment Report.
Music: “News Theme” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under CC BY 4.0. Edited excerpts with volume adjustment and fades.