As employment trends and economic stressors drive down life insurance products’ relative affordability, insurers must find new ways to sync up with potential customers. Product flexibility, investing in technology, and updating outreach tactics will be key.

Latin America’s ad market will surpass $40 billion this year as it continues to defy economic uncertainty. Rebounds in Argentina and Chile, along with double-digit growth in retail and social media spending, will fuel momentum. Here are the latest trends you need to know.

Online fashion sales growth in France is stabilizing as global competitors capture market share and social platforms become more influential.

The situation: The escalating US-Iran conflict threatens to unleash fresh headwinds for the retail industry, which is already under pressure from the Trump administration’s shifting trade policies. Our take: Uncertainty has loomed over the industry all year, making it increasingly difficult for retailers to plan ahead with the Trump administration’s shifting trade policies. Case in point: The 90-day reciprocal tariff pause is set to expire on July 9, and there’s little clarity as to whether it will be extended or if the sweeping levies will take effect. The escalating US–Iran conflict only adds to the volatility, compounding the pressure on retailers. Together, these factors make it increasingly likely that the operating environment will remain murky for the remainder of the year.

US retail and ecommerce sales growth will take a hit in 2025 as unpredictable changes in tariff policies ripple through the economy, shaking consumer confidence.

The market will return to growth in 2025, but retailers face ongoing disruption from ultra-fast-fashion players and TikTok Shop.

The news: US inflation ticked up 0.1% last month and 2.4% YoY, a softer read than many economists expected but one that kept the pressure on consumers already dealing with a higher cost of living. Our take: Retailers, especially grocers and discounters, can set themselves apart by helping consumers save money and be more financially responsible. Offering digital coupons, using in-store signage spotlighting sales on daily essentials, and rewarding loyal shoppers for repeat purchases can foster smarter spending.

US financial institutions are experiencing a significant increase in losses, with a rising number of banks and credit unions reporting consistent quarterly losses, according to S&P Global. This trend highlights mounting pressures on the industry, including high interest rates, growing loan losses, declining overdraft fee revenues, and intense deposit competition. S&P Global warns that such sustained losses could severely limit strategic options for struggling institutions, potentially leading to mergers, acquisitions, or even regulatory shutdowns. To navigate this challenging environment, financial institutions must proactively adapt their business models, explore strategic partnerships to boost efficiency, expand offerings, and enhance the customer experience to improve loyalty.

Tariffs are slowing retail sales growth: A Reuters analysis found the Trump administration’s trade policies have cost companies more than $34 billion in lost sales and higher costs, and that toll keeps rising.

54% of global marketers are slashing ad spend, says Nielsen: The need for adaptability, rather than bigger budgets, is more prominent than ever.

Low-income consumers feel squeezed: With prices rising and the GOP tax bill set to reduce their after-tax income, relief may not come soon.

A trade war between two of the world’s largest consumer markets would cause significant disruption for consumers, retailers, and brands in Europe.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what we expect from consumer spending in Q2, the three scenarios we expect for total media (and digital) ad spending, and how marketers are reacting to everything. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Principal Forecasting Writer Ethan Cramer-Flood, and Senior Forecasting Analyst Zach Goldner. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

Retail sales rose 5.2% YoY in April: But the gains mask a tough climate as consumers pulled forward purchases of tariff-sensitive items like home goods.

Inflation waned in April: But early signs of cost increases are emerging.

As US-imposed trade tariffs begin to take effect, business decision-makers and consumers are grappling with how to prepare—some more than others.

Consumers pulled back on dining out in Q1: Restaurant Brands faced headwinds but saw an April rebound, while Krispy Kreme is changing course to regain momentum.

SNAP rollbacks could shrink grocery baskets and curb discretionary spend: With household spending already under strain, further benefit cuts risk triggering a broader pullback in consumer demand.

Marketers are cutting branding spend in favor of performance media: Search and retail win as caution dominates strategy.