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What you’ll read?

• Nike’s New CEO Targets Revamp Amid Sales Slump.

• Vuori’s Rapid Rise.

• Today in AI & Tech

• Trump Warns EU on Trade Deficit with Tariff Threat.

  and more…

BUSINESS

Treasury Yields Steady as Inflation Gauge Awaits Release.

The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield dipped slightly to 4.552% on Friday, ahead of the release of the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the PCE price index. Analysts expect core inflation to rise 0.2% monthly and 2.9% annually. This follows the Fed’s recent rate cut and revised forecasts, alongside looming concerns of a U.S. government shutdown.

Fed Signals Fewer Rate Cuts, Impacting Global Monetary Policy.

The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its inflation outlook and suggested only two rate cuts in 2025, driving dollar strength and complicating global monetary policy, especially in emerging markets. Asian central banks face tighter financial conditions, while Europe remains less affected. Meanwhile, China plans policy easing, and India and Korea weigh currency stability against growth priorities.

Nike’s New CEO Targets Revamp Amid Sales Slump.

Nike’s CEO Elliott Hill plans a turnaround by shifting focus from heavy discounting to full-price sales and rebuilding trust with wholesale partners. Despite beating Wall Street’s expectations, Nike reported an 8% revenue drop and a 13% decline in direct sales. Hill aims to restore innovation, strengthen athlete-focused branding, and reduce oversupply to regain market share.

Vuori’s Rapid Rise: A Challenge to Lululemon and Athleta.

Vuori, launched in 2015, has become a top player in the athleisure market with $1 billion in annual revenue, growing at rates surpassing the overall sportswear market. Backed by high-profile investors, the brand is known for its premium materials and customer loyalty. While Vuori faces competition and scaling challenges, it has taken market share from Lululemon and is poised for a significant IPO.

TECH

Today in AI & Tech

Amazon Workers Strike for Better Conditions Amid Holiday Season.

Amazon workers across seven U.S. states went on strike Thursday, demanding better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Organized by the Teamsters union, the strike aims to push Amazon into contract negotiations, with union leaders blaming the company's "greed" for delays. Amazon countered, claiming the protests involve mostly outsiders, not its employees, and emphasized its focus on fulfilling holiday orders. The strike is the largest against Amazon in U.S. history.

Dexcom Unveils AI-Driven Personalized Insights for Stelo CGM.

Dexcom launched an AI feature for its Stelo continuous glucose monitor, providing users with personalized insights on how meals, sleep, and activity affect glucose levels. Built with Google Cloud's generative AI platform, this feature aims to enhance user engagement by offering tailored recommendations. While it doesn't offer medical advice, the platform could evolve to provide real-time feedback and predictive health indicators, with the goal of improving consumer experience and preventing emergencies.

Other

The Evolution of U.S. Malls: From Retail Hubs to Dining Destinations.

U.S. shopping malls, once dominated by department stores, have redefined themselves by prioritizing dining and experiences. Developers now allocate 20-30% of mall space to restaurants, compared to 5-10% years ago, driving foot traffic with upscale eateries and food halls. This shift, coupled with creative use of vacant spaces for housing, has revitalized malls, appealing especially to Gen Z consumers who prefer in-person shopping. Restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and emerging chains contribute significantly to mall success, ensuring their continued relevance despite online shopping trends.

UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Alleged Killer Faces Federal and State Charges.

Luigi Mangione, 26, faces federal charges of murder, stalking, and firearm offenses in the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione allegedly traveled to New York to surveil and kill Thompson, with federal charges citing interstate commerce as grounds for prosecution. He also faces state terrorism-related murder charges and weapons offenses in Manhattan. Mangione was extradited from Pennsylvania and is set to appear in federal court.

Tesla Shares Slide Amid Market Drop and Musk’s Political Role Controversy.

Tesla shares plunged over 8% on Wednesday, marking their largest drop since before the 2024 U.S. election, despite being up 75% since November 5. Analysts point to the stock's disconnect from fundamentals, while broader market declines also contributed. CEO Elon Musk’s new advisory role in the Trump administration has drawn mixed reactions, with polls showing significant public disapproval. Tesla faces pressure to boost EV sales amid competition from rivals like Waymo, which leads in robotaxi operations.

Trump Warns EU on Trade Deficit with Tariff Threat

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump urged the EU to address its $131.3 billion trade deficit with the U.S., emphasizing large-scale purchases of American oil and gas or facing tariffs. EU officials, while open to energy discussions, voiced concerns about Trump's transactional approach and potential asymmetric deals. Analysts anticipate heightened uncertainty in U.S.-EU trade relations as Trump prepares for office in 2025.

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