Goldman Sachs' exec shares gold price forecast for 2026

U.S. consumer confidence has taken a sharp turn as the holiday season approaches, with expectations of increased spending on gifts during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. After a slow start to the year, the U.S. GDP has shown recovery, posting nearly 4% growth in two consecutive quarters following a contraction earlier in the year.

In 2025, a popular mall and strip mall chain quietly closed 443 locations, reflecting significant challenges in the retail sector. This decision comes amidst a broader trend of store closures across various industries, indicating a shift in consumer behavior and market dynamics.

The stock market experienced a surprising uptick during a holiday week, resulting in weekly gains across major indices, with the S&P 500 closing just 1% shy of its 52-week high. Eli Lilly maintained a market capitalization of $1 trillion, reflecting strong investor confidence.

Apple has reported its strongest fiscal year to date, achieving a record net income of $112 billion and quarterly revenue of $102.5 billion, surpassing Wall Street expectations. However, this success is overshadowed by disappointing early sales of the iPhone Air, which has not resonated with consumers as anticipated.

T-Mobile has announced a decision that will make it more difficult for customers to contact customer service, leading to significant dissatisfaction among its user base. This change has sparked anger among customers who rely on accessible support for their telecommunications needs.

Palantir Technologies is making strides in its artificial intelligence (AI) platform, aiming to demonstrate that it is a viable solution for corporations and governments, not just a showcase. Recent quarterly results indicate a surge in interest and demand for its offerings, suggesting that the company is gaining traction in the competitive AI market.

JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs have announced plans to expand their presence in the UK following Chancellor Rachel Reeves's budget, which spared the banking sector from higher taxes. This decision was celebrated at a recent event hosted by Jamie Dimon in New York, coinciding with King Charles's birthday celebration.

An iconic sporting goods and sneaker retailer has announced the closure of several stores, reflecting a significant shift in the retail landscape where traditional sales models are increasingly challenged. This decision comes amid a broader trend of retail closures across various sectors, indicating a struggle to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and market conditions.