Latest Industry Trends News

đź“…December 25, 2025 at 1:00 AM
2025 industry trends highlight robust US economic growth, AI and digitization in small businesses, freight softening, rare earth supply shifts, and WealthTech advancements amid global market rallies.
1

US Economy Surges to 4.3% Growth in Q3 2025

The US GDP grew at 4.3% annually in Q3 2025, exceeding forecasts of 3.2%, driven by consumer spending and reduced imports from tariffs.Source 6Source 7 However, unemployment rose to 4.6%, the highest since 2021, and business investment in non-residential structures fell 6.3%.Source 6 This mixed data fueled stock market highs despite holiday trading.Source 3Source 6

2

Global Air Cargo Volumes Rise 5% Year-on-Year

November 2025 saw global air cargo volumes increase 5% year-on-year, on track for 4% full-year growth, with capacity matching demand.Source 1 Ocean freight softened, while container vessel demand is expected to ease to 2.5% in 2026 against 3.8% supply growth.Source 1 The containership orderbook hit 11.61 million TEU by mid-December.Source 1

3

Western Rare Earth Magnet Supply Chains Gain Traction

Western producers in the US and Europe are expanding as governments reduce reliance on China's 90% magnet production dominance.Source 2 Investments target mine-to-magnet chains for EVs, wind turbines, electronics, and defense.Source 2 Demand remains strong despite gradual shifts away from China.Source 2

4

Small Business Retail Sector Shows Resilience in 2025

US retail saw in-store sales grow 2.75% year-over-year, with nonstore sales at 7%, fueled by wellness trends worth $500 billion annually.Source 4 41% of small retailers exceeded revenue projections despite 71.4% raising prices.Source 4 Consumer prioritization of wellness drives 4-5% growth amid macro stress.Source 4

5

Generative AI Adoption Soars Among US Small Businesses

86% of small businesses adopted generative AI tools by 2025, mainly for sales (39.4%) and data analysis (32.6%).Source 4 This supports growth, with 29.1% reporting better customer retention and 23.4% improved margins.Source 4 Widespread digitization via multiple platforms aids efficiency and acquisition.Source 4

6

WealthTech Sector Thrives with AI and Digital Shifts

2025 marked a strong year for WealthTech despite funding declines, driven by digital transformations, generative AI adoption, and customer demands.Source 5 Leaders highlight ongoing innovations meeting modern needs.Source 5 Funding dip does not signal weakness in the sector.Source 5

7

Global Equities Rally on Strong US Growth Data

MSCI All Country World Index gained 21% in 2025, with Asian tech shares up 0.2% amid year-end risk appetite.Source 3 US economy's fastest growth in two years boosts 2026 earnings outlook.Source 3Source 6 Commodities like gold hit $4,500/oz, platinum and silver records.Source 3

8

BP Sells Castrol Stake in Strategic Oil & Gas Focus

BP agreed to sell majority stake in Castrol, accelerating divestments to bolster balance sheet and core oil/gas operations.Source 2 This reflects energy sector reset amid global trends.Source 2 European equities rose on healthcare gains like Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 approval.Source 2

9

Management Consulting Market to Hit $358 Billion in 2025

Global management consulting services reach $358 billion in 2025, projected to grow to $451 billion by 2030.Source 4 This underscores strong demand in business advisory amid economic shifts.Source 4 Small business applications indicate robust industry growth.Source 4

10

Asia Economies Show Mixed Resilience in 2025

Asia ended 2025 with divergent outcomes from trade disruptions and unrest, yet sustained ~5% growth via adaptable policies.Source 2 China expanded soft power in culture and tech.Source 2 Critical minerals focus reshapes energy and defense investments.Source 2

11

Copper Prices Break $12,000/Ton Amid Commodity Surge

Copper hit new highs above $12,000 per metric ton, with platinum and silver at records, outperforming equities.Source 3 Gold surged past $4,500/oz on safe-haven demand post-US Venezuela oil block.Source 3 Stronger US growth tempers Fed rate cut expectations.Source 3