DuckDuckGo keeps AI search optional, giving privacy-conscious consumers rare control over how, when, or if they see AI-generated answers.

The US does $2.18 trillion in cross-border trade (both imports and exports) with its top three biggest partners—Mexico, Canada, and China—according to the US Census Bureau.

Half a decade out from the pandemic, retail has firmly established its “new normal,” one where consumers seek spaces they can relax, people return to the office, and wellness remains a focus. Here are four trends illustrating where consumers are spending their time and how those changes impact retail.

Apple's recent release of an event-planning app exposes an opportunity for brands and marketers to engage with social consumers.

Homeownership literacy is lacking in the US, and banks can help fill the gap.

Modelo’s college basketball ad spend grows 48%: The investment highlights the lucrative opportunity of advertising during live sporting events.

After its banking partner’s regulatory issues, fintech Dave aligned with Coastal Financial.

Acquiring Vistar and Blis strengthens its ad capabilities, but turning its mobile data advantage into ad dominance won’t be easy—especially in a market controlled by digital giants.

With a Trump-led DOJ expected to be softer on antitrust, Google is leveraging national security concerns to fend off calls for Chrome’s divestment, banking on shifting regulatory winds

Patients value digital health tools, but adoption lags at many medical practices: It’s now tablestakes for healthcare orgs to have a digital front door that allows consumers to use online tools to access care.

AbbVie shakes up obesity market: AbbVie’s entrance to the weight loss drug market could create more competition between Big Pharma with a vote of confidence in a GLP-1 alternative.

The new Premium Lite tier ditches extras like offline downloads but could lure budget-conscious users—challenging traditional streamers and YouTube’s own Premium model.

Trump’s tariff reprieve exacerbates uncertainty: The stop-and-start nature to the administration’s economic policy keeps retailers—and consumers—on edge.

Publicis strengthens AI and first-party data strategy: The Lotame acquisition enhances its identity solutions, adding 4 billion customer profiles and expanding Epsilon’s AI-powered ad targeting.

Novo Nordisk launches D2C platform, drops price of Wegovy for cash-pay patients: The move could start a marketing showdown—and possible price war—between Novo and Lilly.

The rule would require larger payment apps to be regulated like banks. Ending this rule would be a win for Apple Pay and Google Wallet

The increased security for merchants and customers can make Skipify a more attractive payments partner

Private label is key to Kroger’s growth prospects this year: The grocer is relying on its owned brands to attract deal-seeking shoppers.

Macy’s makes strides in Q4, but pressures persist: Revamped stores show improvement, but the company’s turnaround is a work in progress.

Higher prices could impede volume growth and raise credit card issuers’ delinquencies

Ultra-thin phones return—but will they last? MWC showcased a new wave of ultra-thin smartphones, but thinner designs may sacrifice battery life, storage, and cameras—key factors driving upgrades.

JD.com’s retail sales rose 14.7% in Q4: That’s an encouraging sign for China’s retailers as they eagerly await a consumption recovery.