Latest Industry Trends News
Global New-Vehicle Sales Decline in December 2025
J.D. Power-GlobalData forecasts December 2025 new-vehicle retail sales at 1,222,800 units, down 7.4% from 2024, with global selling rate at 93.3 million units, a 1.1% drop. Total 2025 global sales expected at 92.1 million units, up 3.7% YoY, boosted by India but dragged by China and U.S. declines.
U.S. retail spending hits $620 billion, up 5.8%, with trucks/SUVs at 83.1% share.
U.S. Economic Growth Softens Entering 2026
S&P Global flash PMIs indicate decelerating U.S. business activity, weaker new orders, and rising prices from tariffs and input costs in late December 2025. Consumer sentiment declines, signaling cautious household spending and slower retail demand ahead.
Small businesses urged to build resilient strategies amid softening hiring and investment momentum.
Global Trade Reaches Record $35 Trillion in 2025
UNCTAD estimates 2025 global trade in goods and services to exceed $35 trillion, up 7% from 2024, driven by East Asia and Africa. China leads with 7% export growth, while EU sees moderate 5-6% increases in exports/imports.
Trade growth fueled by prices early in year, with rising regional linkages amid uncertainty.
Precious Metals Surge to New Highs in 2025
Gold hits $4500, Silver +6.50%, Platinum +10% amid 'Debasement Trade' driven by Trump policies, central bank diversification, and trade tensions. China's gold accumulation and U.S. dollar shifts amplify rally from $1600 in 2022.
2026 bear case sees Gold at $3500 if global demand slows, but AI sustains industrial metals.
AI Hardware Sectors Post Triple-Digit Gains
Micron Technology surges 210% on high-bandwidth memory demand, Western Digital +275%, Lam Research +150% in 2025. Palantir gains 157% from government contracts and AI data solutions.
Gains extend beyond Mag 7, fueled by AI infrastructure and memory needs.
Transportation and Logistics Growth Slows
Atradius revises 2025 global transport output growth down due to U.S. tariffs and Chinese competition impacting Eurozone demand. H1 2025 surged from tariff front-loading, but industrial output and trade now weighing on sector.
Initial forecast was 4.3% growth for 2025, now tempered.
Slowing EV Adoption Reshapes Auto Market
Lower EV sales boost manufacturer profitability as steep discounts unwind, marking industry turning point into 2026. Lauren Fix highlights global EV slowdown, Trump policy rollbacks, and rising dealer data importance.
U.S. final assembly vehicles rise to 56.2% of December sales.
Gold and Mining Stocks Rally with Tech
Gold and mining stocks surge alongside AI-driven tech sectors in 2025, defying broader volatility. Central banks, including China, accelerate gold buying amid U.S. policy shifts.
Metals maintain highs even in year-end sessions.
Tariffs and Trade Tensions Define 2025 Trends
Trump tariffs destabilize markets but shrugged off by most in 2025; ongoing shifts impact confidence and spending. U.S. front-running orders boosted H1 transport, now slowing growth.
Political instability in France adds to European auto sales decline.
AI and Tech Drive U.S. Earnings Resilience
U.S. secular growth from tech, healthcare, and AI capex for data centers remains appealing despite elevated valuations. Potential central bank responses and tariff relief could surprise positively.
Broader economy shows uneven growth with softening investment.
Regional Trade Dynamics Boost East Asia, Africa
East Asia and Africa lead 2025 global trade expansion, while developed economies stagnate. India's sales rise from tax cuts and festivals; outlook upgraded.
China's exports grow but imports subdued by domestic demand.