Consumer Goods Sector: ACCO Brands (ACCO), Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Allison Transmission Holdings (ALSN), American Apparel (APP)

As another year has come to a close, we in the consumer goods and retail industry not only review the past 12 months to reflect on changes we've seen but also look ahead to prepare for changes yet to come. Planning ahead has been a growing challenge due to the changing consumer landscape. The rise of mobile and social technologies has given consumers access to more information and a new set of influencers. While this creates a need for retailers and brands to keep up, it also affords unprecedented access and insight into rapidly changing consumer tastes, behaviors and trends.

So how can we take advantage of this changing consumer landscape, one that's ripe with opportunity and calls for innovation?  We need to examine the technology that acts as the catalyst for these changes and how it will enhance not only the design and development processes but also the customer experience.{1}

American Axle & Manufact Holdings, (NYSE:AXL) closed higher +0.54% to $22.32, declared that Donald L. Joseph has been appointed as President - AAM Asia (Vice President - AAM Corporate). In this role, he will continue to lead AAM`s regional business, engineering and manufacturing activity from AAM`s Asia Headquarters and Engineering Center located in Shanghai, China.

Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) closed lower -1.97% to $49.23, joined with business leaders and policymakers from the U.S. and China to support and strengthen ties between the two countries at the first-ever Chicago meeting of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade.

Allison Transmission Holdings Inc (NYSE:ALSN) closed lower -0.92% to $32.44, recently  declared that it has joined into a cooperation contract with ValueAct Capital, a $15 billion private investment fund that beneficially owns around 10.77 percent of Allison Transmission's outstanding common stock. ValueAct Capital is the company's biggest shareholder.

American Apparel Inc(NYSEMKT:APP) closed lower -12.76% to $0.860, The Board of Directors of American Apparel, Inc. (NYSE MKT: APP), a vertically-integrated manufacturer, distributor and retailer of branded fashion-basic apparel, declared that Allan Mayer and David Danziger have stepped down as Co-Chairmen of the Board and will be replaced by Board Member Colleen B. Brown as Chairperson. Mr. Mayer and Mr. Danziger will continue to serve as Members of the Board and will retain their positions as Chairs of the Compensation and Audit committees, respectively.

Source{1}: http://apparel.edgl.com/news/2015-Predictions--What-Will-Shake-Up-the-Consumer-Goods-and-Retail-Industry-97514