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US consumers show signs of strength ahead of critical holiday spending season — Bain & Company/Dynata Consumer Health Indexes

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Outlook and intent to spend gauges for upper income US consumers show particular strength, with positive trends also seen among lower income consumers, as findings mark public launch of the Bain/Dynata Consumer Health Indexes

BOSTON, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The US consumer is showing signs of strength, especially among upper income earners who represent the majority of discretionary consumer spending by Americans, the latest results of the Bain & Company/Dynata Consumer Health Indexes, released today, show.

November results of the Consumer Health Indexes (CHI) show a rise in the survey data’s headline gauge of the US consumer outlook to 102.0, up 1.1 points from October’s reading.

The outlook score among upper income consumers, earning more than $100k a year, shows particular strength, rising 2 points month-on-month in November after a 1.9-point increase in October, and has now risen by 3.6 points over the last three months. The CHI gauge of consumers’ intent to spend for upper income earners also continues to trend upwards, climbing by 1.2 points month-on-month in November and by 7.1 points over the last three months.

Lower income consumers, earning up to $50k a year, are reporting less robust but still positive trends in the CHI results. The intent to spend score for this group is up by 5.3 points month-on-month in November, and by 7.6 points in the last three months.  However, alongside this, the consumer outlook score for the group has remained essentially flat in the past two months, making the strength of reading for the lower income group more tentative.

In contrast to upper and lower income earners, middle income Americans (earning $50–100k a year) at present still show no signs of building strength. Both the consumer outlook and intent to spend score for this group remained flat in the past month.

The findings are the key insights from the first edition of the Bain/Dynata Consumer Health Indexes to be publicly released. Bain & Company and Dynata have run the indexes since 2017 to provide business decision-makers with in-depth information and analysis on consumer trends for near-term and medium-term strategy and planning. Previously the data from the monthly CHI survey was provided to clients privately.

Karen Harris, partner at Bain & Company and managing director of the firm’s Macro Trends Group, commented: “As we enter the critical spending weeks for the US holiday retail season upper-income earners – who represent the majority of discretionary spending in the US – are becoming increasingly positive in their outlook and are telling us they intend to spend more freely.

“Upper income consumers’ outlook is buoyed by positive investment portfolio performance. Barring a significant correction, this demographic group’s outlook is likely to remain strong. The enthusiasm recorded in upper income earners’ outlook seems to be having an impact of their spending intentions, where we’ve seen a four-month positive trend in our data. If you are hoping for a positive holiday retail spending season, you would want to see emerging strength from this group, which represents over 50% of discretionary spending in the US.

“Lower income spending intentions have also been trending positively over the last three months, but we continue to look for corresponding positive increases in this group’s outlook on their wages. If we observe these increases, we will have more confidence that these elevated spending intent levels could be supported over the long-term.

“If there is cautionary flag in our data this month, it comes from middle-income households. Their outlook and spend-intent measurements have trended slightly down over the past couple of months. With much of this group’s financial wealth tied up in their houses, and with those markets often summarized as ‘frozen,’ we can’t say we expect to see a sudden favorable shift on the horizon.”

For more details and the full report (PDF), please click here or get in touch via the media contacts below.

Media contacts
To arrange an interview or for any questions, please contact:
Gary Duncan (London) — Email: gary.duncan@bain.com
Katie Ware (New York) — Email: katie.ware@bain.com

About Bain & Company

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world’s most ambitious change makers define the future.

Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today’s urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a gold rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 2% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry.

About Dynata

Dynata is the world’s largest first-party data company for insights, activation, and measurement. With a reach that encompasses 70 million consumers and business professionals globally and an extensive library of individual profile attributes collected through surveys, Dynata is the cornerstone for precise, trustworthy quality data. The company has built innovative data services and solutions around its robust first-party data offering to bring the voice of the customer to the entire marketing continuum — from uncovering insights to activating campaigns and measuring cross-channel marketing return on investment. Dynata serves more than 6,000 market research, media and advertising agencies, publishers, consulting and investment firms, and corporate customers in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Learn more at www.dynata.com.

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SOURCE Bain & Company

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KLC Highlights TTV Thermal Testing for AI/HPC and Liquid Cooling, Chip-Wafer Layout Design, Alongside High-Voltage EV Heating Solutions

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October 30, 2026

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The Taiwan-based manufacturer supports thermal validation for chip-wafer layout design, planning, design verification, high-performance computing, cold plates, liquid cooling, and electric vehicle thermal management. 

TAICHUNG, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan King Lung Chin PTC Co., Ltd. (KLC Corporation), a Taiwan-based thermal management solutions manufacturer, today highlighted its Thermal Test Vehicle (TTV) solutions for chip-wafer layout design, planning & verification, AI, and high-performance computing (HPC), alongside high-voltage coolant heaters for electric vehicles (EVs).

As AI infrastructure and high-performance computing systems drive increasing power densities, thermal validation is becoming increasingly critical in Chip-Wafer layout design, planning, design verification, and cooling system development. KLC’s TTV solutions provide controllable heat sources to simulate thermal loads in high-power electronic devices and advanced semiconductor architectures, helping engineers perform early-stage Chip-Wafer layout and architecture design verification while precisely evaluating cooling performance in cold plates and liquid cooling systems.

These solutions support thermal validation for applications involving AI servers, GPU platforms, advanced packaging, and semiconductor wafer devices, helping engineering teams assess cooling designs and thermal performance during wafer design and product development processes.

In the automotive sector, KLC provides high-voltage coolant heaters for battery preheating and cabin heating. Depending on the series, its solutions offer voltage ratings from 12 to 400 VDC and power outputs of up to 12,000 W, supporting diverse EV thermal management requirements.

“From Chip-Wafer layout design planning and AI/HPC cooling validation to electric vehicle heating, thermal management is essential to next-generation semiconductor and automotive systems,” said Joanna Wu, CEO of KLC Corporation. “KLC combines thermal testing capabilities and heating technologies to support customers developing increasingly demanding applications.”

KLC serves customers across the automotive, industrial, and semiconductor markets, including engineering teams working on chip-wafer layout design verification, high-power electronics, and thermal management systems.

About KLC Corporation

KLC (Taiwan King Lung Chin PTC Co., Ltd.), headquartered in Taichung, Taiwan, designs and manufactures PTC heaters, flexible heaters, and Thermal Test Vehicle solutions for global B2B customers in automotive, industrial, and semiconductor markets.

Website: https://www.ptc-heater.com.tw/

TTV Solutions: https://www.ptc-heater.com.tw/thermal-test-vehicle-ttv/

Media Contact

Taiwan King Lung Chin PTC Co., Ltd.
Email: info@ptc-heater.com.tw 
Tel: +886 4 2533 0456

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SOURCE Taiwan King Lung Chin PTC Co., Ltd.

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ATTACK SHARK Unveils X60 Gaming Headset, Combining Precision Audio, All-Day Comfort, and an RGB Wireless Charging Dock

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October 30, 2026

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New flagship headset brings together high-fidelity acoustics, ergonomic engineering, low-latency wireless connectivity, and desktop expansion features in a single gaming audio solution

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — High-performance gaming peripheral brand ATTACK SHARK is set to introduce the X60 Gaming Headset, its latest premium audio offering built to meet the demands of competitive gamers and multi-device users. The headset combines advanced acoustic engineering, ergonomic comfort, low-latency wireless performance, and an RGB-enabled charging dock with integrated hub functionality. It is a complete desktop audio solution built for FPS gaming, entertainment, and extended daily use.

Built for Competitive Audio Performance

The X60 features a 53mm dynamic driver with a PEN nano-polymer diaphragm, a material widely used in professional audio equipment for its ability to reduce distortion and improve clarity. Combined with a large independent acoustic chamber and airflow-balancing technology, the design delivers precise sound reproduction with clear layering and accurate positional cues, helping players react faster in competitive gameplay. Premium Audio Quality — Experience rich, immersive sound with crisp footsteps, detailed in-game effects, and enhanced audio depth

Beyond the hardware, ATTACK SHARK has refined the listening experience through professional acoustic tuning. Developed with input from audio engineers with over 20 years of experience, the X60 delivers a balanced sound profile that combines detailed reproduction, natural vocal presentation, and the impact required for immersive gameplay. The result is a versatile audio experience suited to competitive gaming, music, and everyday entertainment.

To complement its audio performance, the X60 also places strong emphasis on voice communication during gameplay. The headset features a proprietary AI audio-processing chip designed to enhance microphone noise reduction across multiple channels. Paired with a detachable 360° high-sensitivity microphone and AI voice-enhancement algorithms, the system helps capture speech clearly while reducing unwanted background noise, ensuring reliable team communication even in noisy environments.

Users can further refine their experience through the companion software, which offers 7.1 virtual surround sound, spatial audio settings, preset EQ profiles, and customizable equalizer controls. Personalized audio settings can be saved and switched easily, allowing the X60 to adapt to different games, content, and listening preferences.

Engineered for Desktop Integration, Connectivity, and Comfort

One of the X60’s defining features is its RGB touch-enabled wireless charging dock, designed to extend the headset beyond a standalone audio device. It supports convenient drop-and-charge functionality while minimizing charging heat, keeping the headset powered and ready for use. It also doubles as a desktop expansion hub with integrated USB and Type-C ports, helping address the growing demand for connectivity across modern gaming setups. Combined with customizable RGB lighting effects, the dock brings together charging, connectivity, and desktop aesthetics in a single solution.

The X60 further enhances everyday versatility with ATTACK SHARK’s upgraded proprietary 2.4GHz wireless technology, engineered for low-latency performance and stable connections. Four connection modes, including 2.4GHz Type-C, 2.4GHz USB-A, Bluetooth 6.0, and wired USB-A, provide broad compatibility across PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox, and other mainstream gaming platforms. A built-in 1000mAh battery supports extended playtime and allows gaming while charging, while physical slide controls enable quick and intuitive switching between connection modes and key functions.

Comfort remains a central part of the design. A reinforced headband frame and aluminum alloy supports provide durability without compromising flexibility, while the 3D adjustment system allows the earcups to rotate up to 90° horizontally, tilt freely up to 37.5°, and adapt to different head sizes through three-level headband adjustment. Combined with breathable microfiber ear cushions and a memory foam headband, the design delivers a secure, pressure-free fit for extended gaming sessions.

The ATTACK SHARK X60 Gaming Headset will be available starting from November 4, 2026.

For more information, visit https://attackshark.com/ or connect with the brand on social media and Discord.

To place an order, visit ATTACK SHARK Amazon Store for the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Japan.

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SOURCE ATTACK SHARK

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Bridge expert Darryl Matson, P.Eng., P.E., of COWI is one of the two winners of ACEC’s prestigious 2026 Beaubien Award

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October 30, 2026

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OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 29, 2026 /CNW/ — At tonight’s ACEC National Awards Gala, the prestigious Beaubien Award went to not one, but two recipients. Since 1985, the Beaubien Award has been the hallmark of excellence in the consulting engineering industry. Named in honour of Dr. James de Gaspé Beaubien, who founded the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Canada in 1925, this award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the profession.

It has been more than a decade since the Past Chair’s Council, who select the award recipient, were presented with such phenomenal candidates they could not select just one. The 2026 winners are Darryl Matson, P.Eng., P.E., Senior Vice President and Senior Project Director with COWI, and Alex Brisson, P.Eng., MBA, ASC, President and CEO of Norda Stelo.

About Darryl Matson, P.Eng., P.E.

Darryl Matson is an engineer who excels at building bridges.

Some have been high-profile worldwide firsts, achieving complex technical feats that help create safe infrastructure for the daily lives of millions. Think of the Lions Gate Bridge in B.C., an essential connection from Vancouver to its northern communities for commuters and businesses. With his characteristic creativity, patience, and calm, Darryl led a project to completely replace the suspended structure while still making it possible for traffic to move across it. Think, too, of his seismic retrofitting of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Or his collaborations with seismic researchers at UC Berkeley and UC San Diego, which led to advancements in industry knowl­edge, such as the use of carbon fibre wrapping and lead rubber isolation bearings in bridge construction.

Other bridges Darryl has built have been less visible but no less important, namely the countless human connections he has made with colleagues, clients, and the many young engineering professionals he has mentored.

“Darryl has an incredible ability to solve complex technical problems, but just as importantly, he builds trust with clients, partners, and other engineers,” observes his colleague, Anne-Marie Langlois, COWI’s Vice President, Head of Engineering, Canada. “Darryl has always been a trusted mentor, friend, and someone who has been available to chat anytime about anything related to my work or career.”  

Throughout Darryl’s 35+ years at COWI, which he joined as a junior engineer and of which he became President for many years, he has been a driving force in making the firm one of the top bridge engineering firms in North America. Much of that is down to the priority he has placed on knowledge transfer and the development of future leaders.

Having been an active participant in leadership development programs himself, he now leads them–from informal lunch-and-learns (known as Table Talks with Darryl) to more formal programs, such as COWI’s new Early Careers Network leadership training group, which teaches junior staff how an engineering business works.

A devoted family man and volunteer, Darryl believes in giving back. Besides being involved as an industry leader within ACEC-BC and with his alma mater, UBC, for most of his career, Darryl has supported the promotion of engineering in local communities–where he has given talks or interviews to local Vancouver organizations, including the media, schools, and local Rotary Clubs.   

For his many contributions, from numerous engineering feats to laying the groundwork for the next generation of engineering professionals, he has earned the 2026 Beaubien Award.

About ACEC
ACEC is the national voice of consulting engineering companies, representing firms across the country that provide professional engineering services to both public and private sector clients. These services include the planning, design, and execution of all types of engineering projects, as well as providing independent advice and expertise in a wide range of engineering and engineering-related fields. For more information about ACEC and the 2026 ACEC National Awards, please visit www.acec.ca.

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Darryl Matson – Beaubien Award Photo and Video (see ACEC website)

SOURCE Association of Consulting Engineering Companies

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