Investing and Global Finance News

Category Archives: Economy

Concerns about Holiday Spending

The upcoming holiday season poses challenges for U.S. retailers in apparel, electronics, and home improvement sectors. Businesses are unsure if increased discounts will drive anticipated consumer spending. October’s sales figures indicated a slowdown in economic demand, leading to a mixed holiday outlook as retailers gear up for Christmas shopping.

To entice consumers during Thanksgiving, retailers launched early holiday deals and competitive promotions. However, major players like Lowe’s and Best Buy reported reduced year-over-year sales and adjusted yearly forecasts. Best Buy’s CEO, Corie Barry, noted the erratic and unpredictable nature of current consumer demand, “In the more recent macro environment, consumer demand has been even more uneven and difficult to predict”.

The S&P 500’s consumer discretionary sector dropped 1% after a 31% rise in 2023, projecting the slowest holiday sales growth in five years, suggesting a potential decrease in American holiday shopping.

Higher interest rates, inflation, and resumed student loan repayments are expected to strain consumer spending. While some sectors like activities and services show resilience, those focusing on discretionary goods like home, apparel, and electronics face ongoing challenges.

Although some investors are hopeful about better-than-expected Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales due to improved inflation and stable interest rates, concerns persist regarding declining consumer spending.

Flying Taxis on the Horizon

While flying taxis may seem like the wave of the far off future, the F.A.A recently published a report delineating a plan for an air taxi market by 2028. Though there are many obstacles to overcome in order to create a market for air taxis, the FAA is confident about their 2028 start date. Air… Continue Reading

Businesses Adopting Sustainability Model in 2023

A recent report from Aflac shows that 77% of 2023 consumers are more willing to buy from a company with a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pledge. In 2023, businesses are incorporating sustainability into their models. Adopting a sustainable approach, though, may require large overhauls to the company’s operations. Top organizations are recognizing the importance of… Continue Reading

Food & Drink Looking Good for 2023

A recent study by Marcum LLP indicates that over two-thirds of executives in the food and beverage industry maintain a positive outlook for 2023. Executives in food manufacturers, eateries, distributors, retailers, and agriculturists were asked about the various issues facing their work and businesses. With close to 70% of respondents pointing to an increase in… Continue Reading

Moxion Power Batteries are on Set

Close to half of the carbon emissions of any movie are produced by the fuel used to power generators and transportation needs, according to the Sustainable Production Alliance. That is why movie sets are going green with cleaner energy batteries. Moxion Power technologies are replacing diesel generators on sets film and TV sets for creators… Continue Reading

Digital Markets Act is E.U.’s Attempt to Limit Big Tech

Digital Markets Act is E.U.’s Attempt to Limit Big Tech

The Digital Markets Act is the European Union’s most far-reaching piece of legislation since it passed its strict privacy laws in 2018. The law tackles the power of the leading tech companies and redefines the way app stores, digital marketing, online retail, and messaging platforms operate. The legislation is designed to stop the biggest tech… Continue Reading

U.S. Museum Workers Unionizing Despite Labor Movement Slump

National union membership has reached historic lows; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10.3% of employed Americans are members of a union. And yet, over the past few years, workers at more than ten American art museums have formed unions to improve their wages and conditions of employment. In 2020, some 250 curators, stewards, conservators, guides,… Continue Reading