Segments - by Product Type (Disposable, Reusable), by Application (Home Care, Hospitals & Clinics, Pediatric Use, Geriatric Use, Others), by Distribution Channel (Online Retail, Pharmacies, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Others), by End-User (Individuals, Healthcare Professionals, Others)
The Infrared Ear-Thermometer Sticker market was valued at USD 379.9 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 915.6 Million by 2034, a CAGR of 10.2%.
| Market size (2025) | USD 379.9 Million |
|---|---|
| Forecast (2034) | USD 915.6 Million |
| CAGR (2026-2034) | 10.2% |
| Largest region | North America |
| Segments covered | Product Type, Application, Distribution Channel, End-User |
| Key companies | TempTraq, iThermonitor, VivaLNK, Cosinuss, Wellue |
This report is updated with the latest market data and insights as of June 2026. Base year: 2025 | Forecast period: 2026-2034
Research by Growth Market Reports shows that the global infrared ear-thermometer sticker market size reached USD 379.9 million in 2025, driven by surging demand for non-invasive temperature monitoring solutions. The market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 10.2% from 2026 to 2034, reaching a forecasted value of USD 915.6 million by 2034. The primary growth factors include the rising prevalence of infectious diseases, increasing focus on remote patient monitoring, and growing awareness of continuous, contactless health monitoring technologies across both developed and emerging economies.
The growth trajectory of the infrared ear-thermometer sticker market is fundamentally underpinned by the global shift toward preventive healthcare and early disease detection. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of non-contact temperature monitoring devices across healthcare settings, workplaces, and public spaces. This behavioral shift has persisted well into 2025, with individuals and healthcare professionals maintaining heightened awareness of the need for accurate, hygienic, and easy-to-use thermometry solutions. Infrared ear-thermometer stickers, offering real-time continuous monitoring without physical discomfort, are increasingly preferred over traditional thermometers. This preference is further reinforced by the rising incidence of fever-related illnesses, including seasonal influenza and novel viral outbreaks, necessitating reliable temperature tracking especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The market for related forehead thermometer stickers for kids has also expanded in parallel, reflecting broad consumer appetite for non-invasive pediatric monitoring tools.
Technological advancements play a pivotal role in shaping the market landscape. The integration of wireless connectivity, smartphone compatibility, and cloud-based data storage into infrared ear-thermometer stickers has significantly enhanced their utility in both clinical and home settings. Consumers can now track temperature trends over time, share data with healthcare providers remotely, and receive instant alerts for abnormal readings. Such features are particularly valuable for chronic disease management and post-operative care, where continuous monitoring is critical. The miniaturization of sensors and improvements in adhesive materials have made these stickers more comfortable and reliable, further broadening their appeal across diverse user groups. Innovations in the adjacent skin temperature patch category are also informing product development across the broader wearable thermometry space.
The market is benefiting from favorable regulatory environments and increased investments in healthcare infrastructure across emerging economies. Governments and health organizations are promoting the adoption of innovative diagnostic tools to improve public health outcomes and reduce the burden on hospitals. This has led to a surge in procurement of advanced thermometry devices, including infrared ear-thermometer stickers, particularly in pediatric and geriatric care facilities. Furthermore, the growing popularity of telemedicine and home healthcare services is creating new avenues for market expansion, as consumers seek convenient and non-intrusive health monitoring solutions that integrate seamlessly into daily life.
Infrared Ear Thermometers have become a crucial tool in the healthcare industry, particularly for their ability to provide quick and accurate temperature readings without direct contact. These devices are especially beneficial in environments where hygiene and speed are paramount, such as hospitals and clinics. By utilizing infrared technology to detect heat emitted from the ear canal, these thermometers offer a reliable and non-invasive measure of body temperature that reduces cross-contamination risk, making them a preferred choice during infectious disease outbreaks. As technology advances in 2025 and beyond, infrared ear thermometers and their sticker variants are becoming more sophisticated, with digital displays, AI-driven analytics, and expanded connectivity options that enhance functionality and ease of use.
Regionally, the Asia Pacific market is witnessing the fastest growth, fueled by large population bases, rising disposable incomes, and increasing healthcare awareness. North America and Europe continue to dominate in terms of market share, owing to their advanced healthcare systems, high adoption rates of digital health technologies, and supportive reimbursement policies. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging as promising markets, driven by improving healthcare access and rising investments in medical technology. This diverse regional landscape underscores the global relevance and growth potential of the infrared ear-thermometer sticker market through 2034.
The product type segment of the infrared ear-thermometer sticker market is bifurcated into disposable and reusable stickers, each addressing distinct user needs and healthcare protocols. Disposable stickers have gained considerable traction, especially in clinical and hospital settings, where infection control is paramount. These single-use products minimize the risk of cross-contamination and are favored in busy healthcare environments where patient turnover is high. The convenience of discarding the sticker after each use aligns with stringent hygiene standards, making disposable variants the preferred choice for pediatric wards, emergency departments, and outbreak scenarios. As of 2025, disposable stickers command approximately 58.5% of the overall market, particularly in regions with robust hospital networks and strong regulatory oversight.
Reusable infrared ear-thermometer stickers are gaining popularity in the home care segment and among individuals seeking cost-effective long-term solutions. These products are designed with durable materials and advanced adhesives that allow for multiple uses without compromising accuracy or comfort. The ability to sanitize and reuse these stickers appeals to environmentally conscious consumers and families with multiple users. Manufacturers are focusing on developing reusable stickers with enhanced sensor longevity and user-friendly cleaning protocols, further driving adoption in both domestic and outpatient care settings. The reusable segment holds approximately 41.5% of the 2025 market and is expected to grow at a comparatively faster pace as smart connectivity features become standard inclusions.
Technological innovation is a key differentiator within both disposable and reusable product categories. Advanced sensor technologies ensure rapid and precise temperature measurements, while improvements in adhesive formulations enhance skin compatibility and reduce irritation even with prolonged wear. Companies are investing in research to develop hypoallergenic materials and eco-friendly disposables, responding to growing consumer demand for sustainable healthcare products. The integration of smart features such as Bluetooth connectivity and mobile app synchronization is more prevalent in reusable models, positioning them as premium offerings. The evolution of reusable forehead thermometer strips offers a useful parallel, highlighting consumer receptivity to multi-use thermometry formats.
Market dynamics between disposable and reusable stickers are influenced by regional preferences, healthcare regulations, and cost considerations. In developed markets with established healthcare protocols, disposable stickers are often mandated by policy, while emerging markets may favor reusable options due to cost constraints and limited access to medical supplies. The balance between convenience, cost, and sustainability will continue to shape the evolution of the product type segment through 2034, with manufacturers tailoring their offerings to meet the diverse needs of global consumers and healthcare providers.
| Attributes | Details |
| Report Title | Infrared Ear-Thermometer Sticker Market Research Report 2034 |
| By Product Type | Disposable, Reusable |
| By Application | Home Care, Hospitals & Clinics, Pediatric Use, Geriatric Use, Others |
| By Distribution Channel | Online Retail, Pharmacies, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Others |
| By End-User | Individuals, Healthcare Professionals, Others |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, MEA |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historic Data | 2019-2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2034 |
| Number of Pages | 253 |
| Number of Tables & Figures | 332 |
| Customization Available | Yes, the report can be customized as per your need. |
The application segment of the infrared ear-thermometer sticker market encompasses home care, hospitals and clinics, pediatric use, geriatric use, and other specialized settings. Home care is the dominant application area as of 2025, driven by the rising trend of self-monitoring and remote health management. Families with young children, elderly members, or chronic patients are increasingly adopting these stickers for continuous temperature monitoring, reducing the frequency of hospital visits. The convenience, accuracy, and non-invasiveness of these devices make them ideal for at-home use, particularly in regions with growing telemedicine adoption and aging populations. This segment is expected to maintain its leading position throughout the 2026-2034 forecast period.
Hospitals and clinics represent another significant application segment, where the demand for efficient, hygienic, and rapid temperature screening tools remains constant. Infrared ear-thermometer stickers are being integrated into patient monitoring systems in emergency rooms, intensive care units, and outpatient departments. Their ability to provide real-time data without disturbing patients is highly valued in acute care scenarios. Additionally, these stickers are increasingly used during infectious disease outbreaks, where minimizing physical contact between healthcare workers and patients is critical. The scalability and ease of deployment of these devices make them suitable for mass screening in healthcare facilities of varying sizes.
Pediatric use is a key growth driver within the application segment, as children are particularly sensitive to invasive or uncomfortable medical procedures. Infrared ear-thermometer stickers offer a child-friendly alternative to traditional thermometers, enabling continuous monitoring without causing distress. Parents and caregivers appreciate the ability to track temperature trends and receive alerts for fever spikes, facilitating timely intervention. Pediatric hospitals and clinics are also adopting these devices to enhance patient experience and improve clinical outcomes, especially for infants and toddlers who may not tolerate conventional thermometry methods. This application area closely aligns with broader market trends seen in the wider wearable pediatric diagnostics sector.
Geriatric use is another important application area, given the vulnerability of older adults to temperature fluctuations and fever-related complications. Continuous, non-intrusive monitoring is essential for elderly patients, particularly those with cognitive impairments or mobility issues. Infrared ear-thermometer stickers provide a practical solution for caregivers and healthcare professionals, allowing for early detection of infections and prompt medical response. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases and the increasing emphasis on aging-in-place are expected to drive further adoption of these devices in geriatric care settings through 2034.
Other applications, such as use in occupational health, travel medicine, and sports performance monitoring, are also contributing to market growth. Organizations are deploying these stickers for workforce health surveillance, especially in high-risk environments. The versatility and adaptability of infrared ear-thermometer stickers position them as valuable tools across a wide range of healthcare and adjacent settings, supporting overall market expansion throughout the forecast period.
The distribution channel segment for infrared ear-thermometer stickers is categorized into online retail, pharmacies, supermarkets/hypermarkets, and others. Online retail has emerged as the dominant channel as of 2025, building on the e-commerce acceleration triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers appreciate the convenience of browsing, comparing, and purchasing thermometry products from home. Online platforms offer a wide range of options, detailed product specifications, and peer reviews, empowering buyers to make well-informed decisions. Manufacturers are increasingly partnering with major e-commerce platforms and investing in direct-to-consumer sales models to expand global reach and enhance customer engagement.
Pharmacies remain a critical distribution channel, especially for consumers seeking immediate access to medical devices along with professional guidance. Brick-and-mortar pharmacies are trusted sources for health-related purchases, and their staff can provide valuable advice on product selection and usage. Infrared ear-thermometer stickers are typically stocked alongside other diagnostic tools, making them easily accessible to both individuals and healthcare professionals. The integration of digital health solutions and telehealth consultation services into pharmacy offerings is further boosting in-store sales, as consumers seek comprehensive health management tools through familiar retail touchpoints.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets are important points of sale, particularly in urban areas with high foot traffic. These outlets cater to a broad consumer base and offer the convenience of one-stop shopping for household and healthcare essentials. The visibility and accessibility of infrared ear-thermometer stickers in these settings support impulse purchases and increased brand awareness. Manufacturers are leveraging attractive packaging and in-store promotional displays to capture consumer attention and drive sales through this channel, which performs especially well in markets where health product literacy is rising.
Other distribution channels, including specialty medical stores, direct institutional sales, and group purchasing organizations, play a complementary role in reaching professional users and niche markets. These channels are particularly important for bulk procurement, customized solutions, and post-sale technical support. A multi-channel approach is increasingly being adopted by market players to maximize penetration and accommodate the diverse purchasing preferences of global consumers and healthcare institutions.
The end-user segment of the infrared ear-thermometer sticker market is categorized into individuals, healthcare professionals, and others. Individuals represent the fastest-growing user base as of 2025, as consumers become more proactive about personal and family health management. The convenience, accuracy, and non-invasiveness of infrared ear-thermometer stickers make them ideal for at-home use, particularly for households with children, elderly members, or individuals managing chronic conditions. The integration of smart features such as mobile app connectivity and cloud-based data storage further enhances the appeal of these devices among tech-savvy consumers seeking holistic health monitoring solutions.
Healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and caregivers, constitute another major end-user group. In clinical settings, the need for efficient, hygienic, and reliable temperature monitoring tools is paramount. Infrared ear-thermometer stickers offer significant advantages over traditional thermometers, including reduced cross-infection risk, continuous monitoring capabilities, and minimal patient disturbance. These attributes are particularly valuable in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, where patient safety and workflow efficiency are top priorities. Healthcare professionals also appreciate the ability to remotely monitor patient data and receive real-time alerts, enabling timely intervention and improved clinical outcomes across acute and chronic care contexts.
The "others" category includes institutional users such as schools, workplaces, and public health organizations. These entities are increasingly adopting infrared ear-thermometer stickers for mass screening and ongoing health surveillance. The ability to monitor large groups of individuals efficiently and non-invasively remains particularly valuable for infectious disease prevention and outbreak management. Educational institutions are deploying these devices to safeguard students and staff, while employers use them to maintain workplace health and sustain productivity. This segment is expected to grow steadily through 2034 as institutional health monitoring becomes more normalized globally.
Market dynamics within the end-user segment are shaped by user preferences, healthcare infrastructure maturity, and evolving regulatory requirements. Manufacturers are tailoring product offerings to meet the specific needs of different user groups, from user-friendly app-integrated models for individual consumers to robust, high-capacity solutions for professional and institutional users. The growing emphasis on preventive healthcare and remote monitoring is expected to drive further expansion of the end-user base, supporting sustained growth in the infrared ear-thermometer sticker market throughout the 2026-2034 forecast window.
The infrared ear-thermometer sticker market is poised for significant opportunities in the coming years, driven by ongoing advancements in sensor technology, digital health integration, and personalized medicine. The increasing adoption of wearable health devices and the proliferation of smart healthcare ecosystems present new avenues for innovation and market expansion. Manufacturers can capitalize on growing demand for continuous non-invasive monitoring by developing next-generation products with AI-powered analytics, predictive health alerts, and full interoperability with electronic health records. The expansion of telemedicine services and the rise of remote patient monitoring are creating new collaboration opportunities between device manufacturers and healthcare providers, enabling integrated solutions that improve patient outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs through 2034.
Emerging markets present another significant growth opportunity, as rising healthcare investments, improving access to medical technology, and increasing health awareness collectively drive demand for advanced diagnostic tools. Governments and non-governmental organizations across Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are actively promoting innovative healthcare solutions to address public health challenges and strengthen disease surveillance infrastructure. Market players can leverage these initiatives by offering affordable, scalable, and easy-to-use infrared ear-thermometer stickers tailored to local population needs. Strategic partnerships with regional distributors, local healthcare providers, and regulatory authorities will be critical to unlocking the full potential of these markets during the forecast period.
Despite the promising outlook, the market faces several restraining factors. Regulatory hurdles related to product safety, clinical efficacy, and data privacy pose challenges for manufacturers seeking to enter new markets or launch innovative connected products. Stringent approval processes and varying regulatory standards across regions can delay product launches and increase compliance costs considerably. Additionally, concerns about measurement accuracy under extreme environmental conditions or among specific patient populations may hinder broader adoption. Competition from established non-contact alternatives, including the broader contactless thermometer market, adds further competitive pressure. Addressing these challenges will require sustained investment in clinical validation, regulatory engagement, and transparent stakeholder communication.
North America remains the largest market for infrared ear-thermometer stickers, accounting for approximately 37.5% of the global market share in 2025, with a market value of approximately USD 142.5 million. The region's dominance is attributed to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption rates of digital health technologies, and supportive reimbursement policies. The United States is the primary contributor, driven by strong consumer awareness, a robust telemedicine ecosystem, and significant investments in healthcare innovation. The presence of leading market players and active research and development activities further bolster North America's position as a global leader throughout the 2026-2034 forecast period.
Europe holds the second-largest share, with a market size of approximately USD 104.5 million in 2025, representing around 27.5% of the global market. The region benefits from well-established healthcare systems, an increasing focus on preventive care, and growing demand for non-invasive diagnostic tools. Countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are at the forefront of adoption, supported by favorable regulatory environments and government initiatives to promote digital health integration. The European market is expected to grow at a steady CAGR of approximately 9.8% through 2034, driven by ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure and rising awareness of wearable health technologies.
The Asia Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, with a market value of approximately USD 89.3 million in 2025, accounting for 23.5% of the global market. Rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increasing healthcare awareness are driving demand for advanced thermometry solutions across the region. China, Japan, South Korea, and India are leading adoption, supported by expanding healthcare access and government efforts to modernize medical facilities. Asia Pacific is projected to register a CAGR of approximately 12.4% from 2026 to 2034, outpacing all other regions and emerging as a key growth engine for the global market. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa collectively account for the remaining approximately 11.5% of the 2025 market, with growth driven by improving healthcare infrastructure, rising medical technology investments, and expanding awareness of non-invasive monitoring tools.
The competitive landscape of the infrared ear-thermometer sticker market in 2025 is characterized by the presence of both established medical device manufacturers and innovative technology-focused startups. Market leaders are leveraging extensive distribution networks, strong brand recognition, and robust research and development capabilities to maintain competitive advantages. These companies are continuously investing in technological advancement, product differentiation, and strategic partnerships to expand portfolios and enhance customer value propositions. The market is also witnessing increased collaboration between device manufacturers and digital health companies, aimed at integrating temperature monitoring solutions with broader health management and remote patient monitoring platforms.
Product innovation remains a central focus, with efforts directed toward improving sensor accuracy, user comfort, and advanced connectivity features. Companies are developing infrared ear-thermometer stickers with functionalities such as real-time data transmission, cloud-based analytics, and AI-driven health insights. The integration of smartphone applications and wearable health ecosystems is becoming standard in premium product tiers, enabling seamless data tracking and sharing. Manufacturers are also prioritizing eco-friendly and hypoallergenic materials in response to growing consumer demand for sustainable and skin-compatible healthcare products.
The market is highly dynamic in 2025, with frequent new product launches, targeted mergers and acquisitions, and strategic alliances shaping competitive positioning. Startups and emerging players continue to introduce disruptive technologies and novel business models, challenging established incumbents to innovate at pace. The increasing entry of broader consumer electronics and digital health technology companies into the medical wearable space is intensifying competition, as these players bring significant resources and extensive customer reach. Price competitiveness, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property protection remain key operational challenges for all market participants.
Major companies operating in the infrared ear-thermometer sticker market include TempTraq, iThermonitor, Cosinuss, VivaLNK, and Masimo. TempTraq is recognized for its FDA-cleared, Bluetooth-enabled temperature monitoring stickers used widely in hospitals and home care settings. iThermonitor offers smart wearable thermometers with cloud-based data management catering to both individual consumers and healthcare providers. Cosinuss specializes in ear-worn vital sign monitors that integrate temperature measurement with additional health parameters. VivaLNK focuses on medical wearable sensors for continuous patient monitoring, while Masimo is a global leader in non-invasive monitoring technologies offering advanced clinical and home-use solutions. Other significant players include Omron Healthcare, Exergen, Braun (Kaz USA, Inc.), Withings, Philips, HuBDIC, ThermoWorks, Wellue, Kinsa, Raiing Medical, Medisana, Microlife, and iProven, each contributing to market dynamism through specialized product lines, regional distribution strength, and ongoing innovation investments.
These companies are distinguished by their commitment to innovation, quality assurance, and customer-centric product development. They are actively expanding global presence through strategic partnerships, distribution agreements, and targeted marketing initiatives. By collaborating with healthcare providers, technology platforms, and regulatory authorities, these market leaders are collectively driving the adoption of infrared ear-thermometer stickers and shaping the future trajectory of non-invasive temperature monitoring worldwide through 2034.
The Infrared Ear-Thermometer Sticker market has been segmented on the basis of
Leading companies in the 2025 market include TempTraq, iThermonitor, VivaLNK, Cosinuss, Masimo, Omron Healthcare, Exergen, Braun (Kaz USA, Inc.), Withings, Philips, Wellue, Kinsa, Raiing Medical, HuBDIC, ThermoWorks, iProven, Medisana, and Microlife. These players compete on the basis of sensor accuracy, smart connectivity, product comfort, regulatory clearances, and global distribution reach, with ongoing investment in R&D and strategic partnerships shaping competitive positioning through 2034.
Key challenges include stringent and varied regulatory approval requirements across regions, which can delay product launches and increase compliance costs. Concerns about measurement accuracy under extreme environmental conditions or for specific patient populations may slow adoption in some segments. Data privacy issues related to cloud-connected devices require robust security frameworks. Additionally, price sensitivity in emerging markets and competition from alternative non-invasive thermometry devices, such as contactless thermometer solutions, present ongoing competitive pressures that manufacturers must address.
The three primary end-user groups are individuals, healthcare professionals, and institutional users. Individuals represent the fastest-growing segment in 2025, driven by proactive personal health management and rising smart device adoption. Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and caregivers, rely on these stickers for continuous, hygienic patient monitoring in clinical settings. Institutional users such as schools, workplaces, and public health organizations deploy them for mass screening and health surveillance, a practice that gained significant momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to expand through the forecast period.
Online retail has become the dominant distribution channel as of 2025, accelerated by the e-commerce shift during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers value the convenience, broad product selection, and peer reviews available on major platforms. Pharmacies remain a critical channel for immediate access and professional guidance, while supermarkets and hypermarkets capitalize on high foot traffic in urban areas. Specialty medical stores and direct institutional sales serve niche professional and bulk procurement needs, with a growing number of manufacturers adopting multi-channel strategies to maximize global reach.
Technological innovation is reshaping the market significantly. Integration of wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, and cloud-based data storage now enables real-time temperature trend tracking and remote sharing with healthcare providers. AI-powered analytics and predictive health alert systems are being incorporated into next-generation models. Miniaturization of infrared sensors, improvements in hypoallergenic adhesive materials, and the rise of interoperability with electronic health records are broadening the appeal of these stickers across clinical and home settings alike, sustaining growth throughout the 2026-2034 period.
The primary applications are home care, hospitals and clinics, pediatric use, geriatric use, and other specialized settings such as occupational health, travel medicine, and sports medicine. Home care has emerged as the dominant application area as of 2025, fueled by the self-monitoring trend and telemedicine growth. Pediatric use remains a key growth driver given the child-friendly, non-invasive nature of these devices, while geriatric use is expanding rapidly alongside aging global populations and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases.
North America leads global adoption, accounting for approximately 37.5% of the 2025 market, underpinned by advanced healthcare infrastructure and high digital health adoption rates. Europe holds the second-largest share at around 27.5%, supported by strong preventive care initiatives. Asia Pacific, representing roughly 23.5% of the 2025 market, is the fastest-growing region, registering a projected CAGR of approximately 12.4% through 2034, driven by rapid urbanization and expanding healthcare access in China, Japan, and India.
Disposable infrared ear-thermometer stickers are single-use products designed primarily for clinical and hospital environments where infection control is critical. They account for approximately 58.5% of the 2025 market. Reusable stickers, holding around 41.5% of the market, feature durable materials and advanced adhesives that support multiple uses, making them popular for home care and cost-conscious consumers. Reusable models increasingly incorporate smart features such as Bluetooth connectivity and mobile app synchronization, positioning them as premium offerings.
The primary growth drivers include rising prevalence of infectious diseases, increasing focus on remote patient monitoring, growing consumer awareness of continuous contactless health monitoring, and the sustained expansion of telemedicine services. Post-pandemic health consciousness has permanently elevated demand for hygienic, non-invasive thermometry, while favorable regulatory environments and healthcare infrastructure investments in emerging economies continue to support broader market adoption through 2034.
Based on our latest research, the global infrared ear-thermometer sticker market is projected to reach approximately USD 915.6 million by 2034, expanding at a robust CAGR of 10.2% from the 2025 base year value of USD 379.9 million. This growth is driven by accelerating adoption of non-invasive temperature monitoring, rising telemedicine penetration, and continuous sensor technology improvements throughout the 2026-2034 forecast period.