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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

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What you’ll read?

• Sports and Streaming Drive 2025 Ad Market Growth

• Housing Market Ends 2024 with High Supply but Slower Sales

• Today in AI & Tech

• Trump Criticizes UK’s North Sea Energy Policy.

  and more…

BUSINESS

Record Holiday Spending Leads to $890 Billion Returns Problem

Consumer spending is set to reach record levels, but 17% of holiday purchases—totaling $890 billion—are expected to be returned, up from $743 billion in 2023. Rising return rates, fueled by behaviors like "bracketing" and "wardrobing," are straining retailers’ logistics and sustainability efforts. To address this, stricter return policies, buyback programs, and alternative resale methods are gaining traction among retailers.

Boeing 737-800 Inspections Ordered After Fatal Jeju Air Crash

Boeing shares dropped over 2% after South Korea launched inspections of all 737-800 planes following a Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people. Investigations are focusing on a possible bird strike and mechanical issues. Two black boxes have been recovered, and U.S. and South Korean authorities, along with Boeing, are probing the incident.

Housing Market Ends 2024 with High Supply but Slower Sales

The housing market saw a 12.1% increase in active listings in November, the highest since 2020, but over half remained unsold for 60+ days. Elevated mortgage rates and rising home prices have slowed sales, with homes taking longer to go under contract. Buyers face affordability challenges, while sellers struggle to attract offers without competitive pricing.

Hindenburg Targets Carvana Over Alleged Loan and Accounting Issues

Hindenburg Research accused Carvana of misleading practices, claiming its turnaround relies on unstable loans, accounting manipulation, and insider benefits tied to its CEO and largest shareholder, Ernest Garcia II. The report highlights $800 million in suspicious loan sales and alleges delinquencies are masked through extensions by an affiliate company. Carvana denied the allegations, calling the report misleading and vowing to focus on its growth plans for 2025.

Sports and Streaming Drive 2025 Ad Market Growth

The advertising market is set for stability and growth in 2025, driven by sports and live events like the Olympics and Super Bowl, which continue to attract massive audiences and ad revenue. While streaming gains traction, linear TV remains a key player, especially for sports, offering complementary audience reach. Media companies are embracing a unified approach to linear and streaming platforms, leveraging their strengths to maximize ad engagement and revenue. Women’s sports also show significant growth potential, with advertisers increasingly investing in this space. The global ad market is forecasted to hit $1.1 trillion in 2025, fueled by digital and TV platforms.

TECH

Today in AI & Tech

Apple Offers Discounts in China Amid Rising Competition

Apple is offering up to 500 yuan ($68.50) off top-end iPhones in China for the Lunar New Year, signaling a shift in its discount strategy due to intensified competition. With a 6% drop in shipments and a declining market share in Q3 2024, Apple faces pressure from resurgent brands like Huawei, whose shipments surged 24% year-on-year, reclaiming market strength with advanced new devices.

Intel’s Decline and Broadcom’s AI-Driven Ascent

Intel, once a chipmaking giant, faced its worst year since 1971, losing 61% of its value, as it failed to capitalize on AI trends. Meanwhile, Broadcom, riding the AI wave with custom chips and networking parts, saw its stock soar 111%, marking a record year and positioning itself as a major player in the AI ecosystem.

Other

Ransomware: A Billion-Dollar Threat Evolving with Technology

Ransomware, a 35-year-old cybersecurity threat, has grown into a billion-dollar industry, with $1 billion in extorted cryptocurrency payments recorded in 2023. Originating in the 1980s, it now leverages advanced technologies like AI and cloud systems, posing evolving risks to businesses and individuals while becoming a geopolitical weapon.

Crypto Markets Rebound as Investor Optimism Grows

Cryptocurrencies began the year on a positive note, with Bitcoin rising 3% to $97,234.80, and the CoinDesk 20 index gaining over 3%. Solana led with a nearly 7% jump, while Coinbase and MicroStrategy climbed 3.5% each. Investors anticipate a strong year ahead, driven by regulatory reforms and potential crypto-focused legislation.

Meta Appoints Joel Kaplan as New Global Affairs Chief

Meta has named Joel Kaplan, the company’s current policy vice president, as its new chief global affairs officer, replacing Nick Clegg, who is stepping down after a significant role in handling the company's political and legal challenges. Kaplan, a former Republican Party staffer, will take over in the lead-up to President-elect Trump’s inauguration. Clegg’s departure marks the latest shift as tech companies adjust to the incoming administration.

Trump Criticizes UK’s North Sea Energy Policy

President-elect Donald Trump criticized the U.K.'s energy tax policy, urging Britain to "open up" the North Sea and eliminate windmills. His comments followed a report about Apache’s decision to end operations in the North Sea by 2029, citing the financial burden of the Energy Profits Levy (EPL). Trump called the policy a "very big mistake" as it affects the profitability of oil and gas production in the region.

It's a Wrap!

Thank you for joining us in this journey through the latest updates and insights. Your engagement and support mean the world to us. We hope you found this newsletter both informative and inspiring. Stay tuned for more exciting news and stories in our next edition.

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Warm regards,
Sarah