Stephen Cooper on the State of the Economy in 2026

Stephen Cooper on the State of the Economy in 2026

In this episode of the State of the Line Podcast, NCCI expert Stephen Cooper dives into the state of the economy in 2026. Building on his Annual Insights Symposium 2026 presentation and the Q2 Quarterly Economics Briefing, Stephen joins host Cristine Pike for a special “Five Questions in Five Minutes” episode that, fittingly, runs a little long. Because when the economy is moving this fast, five minutes is never quite enough. Key Takeaways: * After the slowest year of job growth, outside of a recession, in more than two decades, hiring is accelerating, averaging around 100,000 jobs per month so far in 2026, with breadth widening beyond health care into construction and manufacturing. * It is still too early to draw conclusions on the impact of AI on employment. * Employment trends in early 2026 appear to be negatively correlated with AI adoption rates, while productivity growth has been elevated. * Higher productivity growth has helped support economic growth and wage growth. Related Content: Quarterly Economics Briefing (QEB) - Q2 2026 [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights_Quarterly_Economics_Briefing-Q22026.aspx] Labor Market Insights - June 2026 [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights-Labor-Market.aspx]

AIS 2026: How Demographic Shifts Are Impacting WC

As the labor force evolves, workplace risk evolves with it. NCCI experts Patrick Coate and Paul Hendrick explore how the aging workforce, new hires, and other demographic shifts may shape trends in workers compensation claims and the broader industry during AIS 2026. * Workforce aging and other demographic shifts can have implications for workers compensation. * Injury rates are higher-and falling more slowly-for older and younger workers than for those ages 25-44. * The aging workforce presents a growing area of exposure, as older workers increasingly experience elevated claim frequency and severity. * Newly hired workers are a key driver of claim frequency. The prevalence of new-hire claims is closely tied to the strength of the labor market. * Demographic trends vary substantially by industry. Related Content: From Demographics to Claims: Turning Data Into Insights [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights-AIS2026-From-Demographics-to-Claim-Turning-Data-Into-Insights.aspx] Demographic Forces Shaping Workplace Risk [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights-AIS2026-Demographic-Forces-Shaping-Workplace-Risk.aspx]

Behind the Scenes of AIS with Mark Mileusnic

NCCI's Chief Customer Operations Officer, Mark Mileusnic, returns to the State of the Line Podcast to provide an insider’s look at the upcoming Annual Insights Symposium. * AIS 2026 Agenda [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights-AIS2026-Agenda.aspx] * NCCI's Annual Carrier Executive Survey Results: Insights That Shape the Future [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights-NCCIs-Annual-Carrier-Executive-Survey-Results-Insights-That-Shape-the-Future.aspx] * Top Industry Concerns With Mark Mileusnic - State of the Line Podcast [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/State-of-the-Line-Podcast.aspx?wchannelid=xzl6uoyh0j&wmediaid=6xbskvgo6n]

Emerging Legislative and Regulatory Issues With Tim Tucker

NCCI expert Tim Tucker joins the State of the Line Podcast to discuss new legislative and regulatory initiatives to identify emerging issues that could have an impact on the workers compensation system and provide insights into potential trends. * Workplace Violence Part One - Assault Trends, Drivers, and Demographics [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights_Workplace-Violence-Part1-Assault-Trends-Drivers-Demographics.aspx] * 2026 Emerging Legislative and Regulatory Issues [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights-2026-Emerging-Legislative-and-Regulatory-Issues.aspx] * 2025 Legislative and Regulatory Trends [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights-Legislative-Regulatory-Trends2025.aspx]

Fast and Slow Emerging Large Claims With Yuchen Su

NCCI expert Yuchen Su joins the State of the Line Podcast to discuss how the shares of fast-emerging, slow-emerging, and total large claims have changed over time. * Fast and Slow Emerging Large Claims [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights-Fast-and-Slow-Emerging-Large-Claims.aspx] * NCCI Multi-Bureau Webinar: Countrywide Mega Claims [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights-Countrywide-Mega-Claims-Multi-Bureau-Webinar.aspx] * Countrywide Mega Claims Accident Years 2001-2021 [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights_Countrywide-Mega-Claims-Multi-Bureau.aspx] * Large Claims Deconstructed [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights-AIS2023-Large-Claims-Deconstructed.aspx] * Fast- vs. Slow-Emerging Large Claims (PDF) [https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Documents/RM_RMF2026-Fast-%20vs-Slow-Emerging-Large-Claims.pdf]