Advertising powerhouse WPP saw its stock nosedive by 18% in a single day—hitting its lowest price since the pandemic—after disappointing earnings and a grim profit forecast. The company blamed client losses, economic jitters, and even the looming specter of AI disrupting the ad industry.

Editor’s Note: WPP’s stumble isn’t just about one bad quarter—it’s a warning sign for the entire ad sector. If even the biggest players are sweating economic uncertainty and AI’s potential to upend traditional ad work, smaller firms and employees in the industry should brace for turbulence. This could signal tighter budgets, layoffs, or a scramble to adapt to tech-driven changes.