Large grocers’ competitive advantage widened during the pandemic, FTC says: The commission recommends further investigation into their pricing strategies as profits continue to rise.

More docs are charging for email communication: Health insurers are picking up most of the tabs, for now. That could change as subscription healthcare offerings and AI tools become more prevalent.

New uses for hot weight-loss drugs: Wegovy’s potential for preventing heart trouble and treating addiction could expand sales and counter insurers’ reluctance to pay for obesity treatments.

Biotech funding is surging: Investors are clamoring to bet on biotech startups, particularly ones with promising ideas that are already in clinical trials.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what the 2024 Oscars taught us about the future of awards shows, whether its time to give up on email, how Netflix's sports strategy will play out, if the idea of "news" can survive online, how the money in the world is shared between us, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Bill Fisher, forecasting analyst Zach Goldner, and director of forecasting Oscar Orozco.

The UN’s AI resolution rests on a weak foundation: The non-binding measure is a call to action for slow-moving governments but requires a public sector talent base that doesn’t exist.

Nike and lululemon brace for softer sales: Both brands are leaning into innovation to drive sales, but Nike’s risky bet could add to its challenges.

Meta made only two acquisitions in 2023, while Alphabet (parent company of Google and YouTube) made none, per Luma Partners data provided to EMARKETER.

After Reddit’s IPO surge, driven by AI plans and vast user content, the platform faces a balancing act between new AI market opportunities and preserving community trust.

72% of US digital retailers believe generative AI and AI-driven personalization affect their business the most this year, according to December 2023 data from Bolt.

Meta’s dive into decentralized social media could boost engagement: As Meta brings Threads to the “fediverse,” the movement gets a moment in the spotlight.

Comscore’s landmark accreditation is a blow to Nielsen: The company is the first to receive MRC accreditation for big data measurement across local and national TV.

Earlier this month, Beyond Inc. (formerly Overstock) acquired ecommerce retailer Zulily, which went out of business in late 2023. Beyond Inc. also plans to bring back the Overstock brand, which it sunset after acquiring the rights to Bed Bath & Beyond last year.

TikTok’s troubles double: TikTok’s US growth stalls among young users amid ban threats, shifting demographics, and fierce competition. Inability to recover could affect potential sale value.

Don’t let the myths get you down, social shopping is alive and well. Gen Z is full of contradictions. And “TikTok-famous” is becoming synonymous with Hollywood famous. Here are three key takeaways from Shoptalk 2024.

Walmart may be playing catch-up to Amazon when it comes to ecommerce and retail media, but recent moves like its $2.3 billion acquisition of VIZIO are giving the retailer momentum. But what are some other big moves that Walmart can make to grab more attention, loyalty, and customers?

Retailers should take note of what’s working in social commerce: Social platforms have made it incredibly easy for shoppers to click and buy, and that’s driving rapid growth.

Next is bullish on UK consumer spending in 2024 as economy improves: The retailer is confident that rising wages and falling inflation will spur consumption.

Shein, Amazon shift tactics to keep each other—and Temu—at bay: Shein is offering its supply chain services to brands, while Amazon is leaning into its delivery capabilities and customer service.