AI Shopping Assistant Performance - AI shopping assistants like Chat GPT, Walmart Sparky, Gemini, and Amazon's Rufus were tested for Christmas gift ideas [1] - Most AI initially offered generic gift ideas such as robes or wraps [2] - Rufus demonstrated more restraint by asking questions before suggesting gifts [3] Suggested Gift Ideas - Classic movies on Criterion [1] - Movie-themed candle [1] - Movie trivia game for $15 [1] - Wearable blanket hoodie [2] - Wizard of Oz themed gifts [2] - Tracy and Hepburn complete collection DVD for $32 [3]

The thing that has been the most significant for my growth has had to do with loss. My mother had cancer began when I was two or three. She died when I was 11, just a couple months short of my 12th birthday. I remember sometime after my 12th birthday, I saw my father looking at an old movie and crying. And I'd never seen my dad cry. Not not when my mother was sick and not when um not when she died or not at the impossibly sad funeral. And it was a the film was uh Sir Carol Reed's Odd Man Out about the Irish ...

UK university degrees just don't pay like they used to. British universities are at the top of global rankings and for decades the deal was get a degree from one of them and you're set for life. However, for many graduates that promise is a thing of the past.The so-called graduate premium, the extra money a graduate makes compared to someone on the minimum wage hasd since the global financial crisis. And when you adjusted for living costs, the typical graduate now earns about 30% less, the equivalent of £8, ...

And it brings this issue, of course, for decades about bamboo scaffolding. Right. It's been one of the Hong Kong's most iconic sites and a symbol of tradition and ingenuity rising alongside the city's steel and glass towers.But after the deadly fire in Taipei, questions are now mounting over whether this heritage practice has become a hazard. Joining us now for more is our panel of guests. Huang Xian is an associate professor in the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering at the Hong Kong ...

Investment Opportunities in Africa - Africa possesses the youngest demographics globally, coupled with increasingly affordable data access, creating a fertile ground for investment [1] - Data accessibility in Africa presents opportunities in healthcare, such as point-of-care diagnostic machines for rural areas, enabling remote diagnosis and medicine delivery via drone technology [2][3] - Agriculture in Africa offers potential for increased crop yields by 20% to 30% through technology, addressing food security issues [4] Risks and Concerns - A potential bubble and increased risk aversion globally could hinder growth in African markets [5][6] - Corruption is a pervasive issue, but opportunities exist through private-public partnerships and engagement with local players to navigate red tape [7][9] Economic Landscape - A significant informal economy in Africa presents opportunities for technology to enable commerce and tap into this sector [10] - Data technology and access to data in African communities are crucial for development and creating opportunities [11]

Market Trends & Consumer Behavior - Consumers are looking for value and great deals, but still have money and want joy [3] - The US consumer has been solid worldwide, despite anxieties and cross-currents [4] - There's a barbell and bifurcation in the market, with pressure at the low and middle and strength at the high end [10] - Quiet luxury is a continuing trend, with less focus on logos and more emphasis on quality and materials [8] Retail & Payment Strategies - Increased rates of mobile use, with a mix of buy online pickup in store, curbside pickup, and delivery [5] - New ways of payment are very different for younger customers [6] - Digital advertising for Walmart is in the $5 billion range [14] Company Performance & Strategies - Levi's focuses on direct to consumer strategy by opening their own stores globally [1] - Walmart is favored for its value story, delivery, curbside pickup, marketplace model, and digital advertising [14] - Walmart's leading grocery business accounts for 60% of its revenue [15] M&A and IPO - Selective M&A is possible, especially in beauty, skincare, longevity, and niche fragrances [13] - The market is getting better with the consumer on a more stable footing, making M&A totally possible [13] Luxury Market - Jewelry is outperforming the rest of the luxury world, especially gold jewelry [9][10] - Handbag prices have gotten extreme, making jewelry prices compelling [11] - Creative leadership matters in luxury brands, driving desire and new design [7]

Consumer Behavior Shift - A significant number of Americans are shifting their focus on Black Friday from splurging on luxuries to stocking up on necessities [1][3] - 64% of shoppers planned to buy discounted essentials during October promotional events, up from 58% last year [1][2] - 62% of people feel financially strained, leading 87% to plan shopping at discount stores [2] Economic Concerns - Americans feel the worst about their personal finances since 2009 [2] - Concerns about job security and the rising cost of living are driving the shift in shopping behavior [3] Retail Expectations - The National Retail Federation expects holiday spending to dip slightly from 2024's record [3] - 85% of shoppers anticipate higher prices, including those resulting from tariffs [3]

US-India Trade Relations - US 50% tariffs have caused a decline in India's exports to the US for two straight months [1] - A trade deal with the US, India's biggest partner, is still pending, but a resolution may be near [4] - The US and India are close to a deal that benefits both parties [4] Indian Economy - Despite headwinds, the Indian economy is growing at over 8% [1] - India's economy is currently the fastest-growing among major economies [2] - The rupee is at record lows, impacting businesses and investors [1] Government Initiatives - Prime Minister Modi has implemented measures to counter high tariffs [2] - Tax breaks are being used to stimulate domestic spending [2] - New labor laws provide companies with greater flexibility in hiring and firing [2] - Modi has promised further reforms to improve the ease of doing business and attract foreign investment [3] International Relations - India is exploring opportunities globally, including easing tensions with China [3] - India has improved its relationship with Canada, signaling a willingness to do business [3]

Well, the CME has restarted most of its trading after an outage left investors in the dark and most of this morning. Joining us now is Bloomberg's Adam Linton in London. Adam, do we have any better understanding of what happened here.No, still nothing really to much clear that we've kind of seen as clearly been some sort of cooling issue. And as I mentioned earlier, I do kind of have a suspicion there may be skeletal staffing levels due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Could have potentially played a role.But u ...

Despite 50% US tariffs clouding India’s trade outlook, the economy posted 8.2% growth, the strongest in six quarters. Here's a look at the Modi government’s efforts to cushion the blow from Trump’s tariffs. -------- More on Bloomberg Television and Markets Like this video? Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss any videos from Bloomberg Markets & Finance: https://tinyurl.com/ysu5b8a9 Visit http://www.bloomberg.com for business news & analysis, up-to-the-minute market data, features, profiles ...