Costco sees major shift in member behavior

Verizon has announced a reduction in the price of a significant customer perk as part of its strategy to attract and retain customers amid ongoing operational challenges. This decision comes in the wake of a substantial workforce reduction, with over 13,000 employees laid off, marking the company's largest job cut to date.

Costco has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining competitive pricing across its product range, a strategy that resonates with consumers during challenging economic times. This promise is particularly significant as many shoppers are increasingly price-sensitive and seeking value in their purchases.

A retail CBD chain has announced the closure of all its locations due to ongoing legal uncertainties surrounding the sale of CBD and hemp products. This decision comes as retailers face challenges in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, despite some federal guidance.

Lululemon is facing significant challenges as it attempts to address troubling customer behavior in its stores, which has raised concerns about the company's future performance. The retailer is grappling with declining sales and a shift in consumer expectations, exacerbated by rising operational costs and the growth of e-commerce.

The S&P 500 index managed to avoid a fifth consecutive day of losses on December 18, 2025, buoyed by positive developments from Micron, which has been pivotal in lifting technology stocks. This marks a notable shift in market sentiment as investors reacted favorably to Micron's performance, indicating a potential recovery in the tech sector.

In 2025, a U.S. car manufacturer achieved a significant milestone by selling 2.8 million vehicles, marking a notable shift in consumer buying patterns amid fluctuating automotive tariffs. The U.S. managed to reduce tariff burdens to 15% for most trade partners, which played a crucial role in shaping the market dynamics this year.

Analysts are optimistic about the commercial real estate market as they observe signs of recovery heading into 2026, a shift that reflects a renewed interest in tangible assets like real estate, which former President Donald Trump has long championed.

Apple TV has introduced a key feature that Netflix recently removed, reflecting the ongoing competition among streaming services to enhance user experience amid the cord-cutting trend. This move comes as Apple aims to attract more subscribers by offering features that cater to diverse viewer preferences.