Target and Walmart post disappointing Q1 results: Both were hurt by a confluence of factors that are unlikely to resolve anytime soon.

How should businesses view these global trends and events? How are behaviors and spending changing? In this report, Insider Intelligence analysts weigh in on the questions they’re being asked by both clients and the media about the shifting landscape in key areas like digital advertising, retail and ecommerce, and financial services.

Big Tech gets corrected: Tech industry stocks have taken a beating so far in 2022, but given the pandemic’s upheaval, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Another reincarnation looms.

Cost-cutting and layoffs could hurt employer branding: Companies risk losing their employer reputations as they scale back to protect profitability.

On today's episode, we discuss whether augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will rival the smartphone as the next big platform, the impact of 3D advertising, how in-store shopping habits have changed, whether there really is an attention economy slowdown, what to do about inflation, an unpopular opinion about video chats, which way people fold their arms, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our senior director of Briefings Stephanie Taglianetti, director of forecasting Oscar Orozco, and analyst Dave Frankland.

The No. 1 biggest source of financial stress among US adults last month was managing living expenses, with 27% being most concerned about the cost of necessities like groceries, gas, and utilities. Saving, investing, and planning for the future were the second biggest stressor, cited by 19%, while managing debt was No. 3, with 13% calling it their primary financial worry.

Brands see an opportunity to pad their margins: Consumer demand remains strong for products such Tide, Coca-Cola, and Tyson, which is why companies are boosting prices beyond their increased costs.

The latest wealth-builder—used EVs: Expensive fuel and slow vehicle production have triggered a stampede for used hybrids and EVs, sending prices skyrocketing. Without better batteries, prices will continue to soar.

Amazon flexes its market power with seller surcharges, anti-union stance: Despite rapid growth during the pandemic, the ecommerce giant is passing fuel and inflation costs onto its sellers while resisting calls to improve working conditions.

A number of economic headwinds threaten to pummel retailers: The war in Ukraine, continued supply chain bottlenecks, and rising inflation are increasing the risk of recession.

European consumers are changing their buying habits vis-à-vis inflation: The war in Ukraine is impacting economic conditions in numerous European markets, driving up prices to near-record levels and reversing recent gains in consumer confidence.

High prices are taking their toll on people’s desire to shop: Consumer spending in the US increased slightly in February, but consumer sentiment remains depressed.

Learn about the current recovery of the travel space. "In Other News," we discuss shoppers' inflationary price sensitivity and the unique value propositions of video streaming services. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Zach Goldner and director of forecasting Oscar Orozco.

The percentage of US adults who lacked savings to cover a full month of basic expenses rose to 29.0% in January, up from an already high 22.3% the previous month. This figure had hovered above one-fifth since June 2021, when states began terminating the expanded federal unemployment benefits that had helped many weather the pandemic.

Beijing’s zero-COVID policy wreaks havoc on the global supply chain: Lockdowns in Shenzhen and Dongguan make it harder and more expensive for retailers like Amazon and Walmart to deliver goods to overseas shoppers.

Off-price retailers have an opportunity to attract customers: US consumers’ confidence slipped in February, driving shoppers to focus on value.

With inflation on the rise and supply chains in disarray, consumers are checking their grocery lists twice. In the US, 38% of adults are cutting down on how often they buy meat, poultry, or fish, while about one-quarter are purchasing snacks, dessert foods, or prepared foods less.

Russian cyberattack on Ukraine has far-reaching implications: The unprecedented DDoS attack on Ukraine triggers calls for worldwide cybersecurity measures to protect infrastructure.

Walmart Inc.’s earnings show the benefit of prioritizing value over profits: The company’s decision to keep prices low helped it maintain growth and gain market share.

Price increases hit retailers and consumers hard: As inflation approaches historic highs, retailers have to decide how much of the cost can be passed on without alienating their customer base.