Concerns about economic stability are escalating as America inches closer to default, which could cause swings in borrowing costs.

Brands can boost interest, perceived value and sales among consumers by touting goods or services as in "short supply, hard to obtain or restricted in any way" such as PrettyLittleThing's Back in Stock website category, writes Michael Stelzner. To guard against "fake scarcity," research to determine how each type of scarcity—like limited editions and demand-related—is best for an audience, and focus on helpful messaging.

Learning and cultivating the strengths of each team member can help them be more intentional—and more successful—in those areas. Sales leaders, too, should aim for constant improvement through developmental opportunities and advocate for resources and support from the company.

The spring homebuying season is milder than in recent years, but it's not being driven by a lack of consumer interest in housing.

"Minimaluxe" kitchen designs incorporate modern rustic elements and minimalism, including warm accents and mixed materials.

Warming temperatures should spell an increase in lumber demand and new homes, with timber markets "a little more resilient than you'd expect given the rapid rise in interest rates," Dennis Webb of Big Creek Lumber says. Throughout this year, the U.S. is likely to use about 50 billion board-feet of lumber and Rocky Goodnow of Forest Economic Advisors believes "this sector is likely to outperform the overall economy because there's still a lot of strong fundamentals that we think is going to help."

Lending for multifamily projects is likely to fall 14% this year before rebounding in 2024, the Mortgage Bankers Association predicts. This year's multifamily total is expected to reach $375 billion, while commercial and multifamily mortgage borrowing and lending is predicted to decline 20% to $654 billion before recovering to $829 billion in 2024.

Pam Graves, who participated in mission trips to Uganda, helped a local cook open a culinary school to teach abuse victims a trade to support themselves.

Leaders who lack work/life integration and balance will have lagging productivity and less success, entrepreneur and former tennis pro James Cluskey tells business coach Allison Dunn in the "Deliberate Leaders" podcast. Among many other tips, Cluskey also stressed the importance of a community around you who can serve as "positive multipliers" and help you through difficult situations.

After buying 66 apartment buildings in San Diego County in 2021, private equity firm Blackstone Inc. has become one of the region's largest landlords, raising concerns among lawmakers and affordable housing advocates about increasing rents, evictions and maintenance issues affecting thousands of tenants.

In observance of Memorial Day in the US, SmartBrief will not publish Monday, May 29.