Jan-Feb auto industry ad spend foreshadows even steeper drop-off as the Iran war puts pressure on vehicle and gas prices.

WPP cut its full-year outlook after Q3 organic revenue fell 5.9% to £2.46 billion, its steepest quarterly decline since 2020. New CEO Cindy Rose said the company “hasn’t gone fast enough” to meet client needs and outlined a turnaround focused on AI, operational efficiency, and simplifying its agency network. WPP’s slump reflects broader challenges facing holding groups in the AI era: proving value through speed, integration, and measurable results as brands increasingly turn to self-serve, platform-driven ad solutions.

For its latest campaign, BMW is using celebrity storytelling and music to raise awareness for its certified pre-owned program, which the automaker says remains underrecognized among potential buyers.

The news: The average VantageScore credit score dropped one point since last month, meaning the average customer’s creditworthiness is declining. And there are other signs of credit stress that should be alarming to banks. Our take: With the average credit score dropping and delinquencies rising across all tiers—including among historically reliable superprime borrowers—financial institutions (FIs) are facing a higher-risk environment. This requires a proactive approach to risk management. FIs should tighten their underwriting standards—particularly for mortgages and auto loans, which are showing the largest increases in late payments. In addition, FIs must proactively engage with customers to help prevent delinquencies from turning into defaults. By using data to identify at-risk borrowers and reinforce customer loyalty, FIs can reach out with support and resources like loan modifications or personalized financial guidance.

Ecommerce share varies greatly across categories. The average ecommerce penetration across US retail sales of 16.7% masks wide disparities: Rates range from as high as 70.1% for books, music, & video to just 5.9% for auto & parts.

The auto industry joins shift to performance-driven channels: Marketers are pulling away from traditional media like TV as tariff pressures mount.

Auto brands will largely be absent from the Super Bowl: Once a stalwart of TV ad spending, carmakers are prioritizing cheaper ad channels.

Airlines and other data-rich industries are using their wealth of insights to build personalized ad networks, creating new revenue streams and redefining digital advertising. These networks deliver precisely targeted offers—like exclusive upgrades or local experiences—enhancing consumer journeys in real-time.

Nearly every industry vertical we track outperformed our spending expectations last year, and most will see growth accelerate in 2024.

Amazon will continue to gain market share, but new competition from Temu, Walmart, and other retailers could stunt future dominance.

Growth has slowed, but bright spots remain in key categories.