Online Holiday Spending Hit Records. AI Helped.

Online Holiday Spending Hit Records. AI Helped. Americans set another online spending record during the holiday season as consumers embraced new shopping technologies like artificial intelligence and buy now, pay later. Use of generative AI-powered chat services and browsers to find deals and conduct product research surged, with traffic to retai... Americans set another online spending record during the holiday season as consumers embraced new shopping technologies like artificial intelligence and buy now, pay later. Use of generative AI-powered chat services and browsers to find deals and conduct product research surged, with traffic to retail sites stemming from generative AI tools rising 693% compared with last year. AI assistants were used most to shop for videogames, toys, appliances, electronics, and personal care products. Market Context Stock market movements reflect investor sentiment, corporate earnings, and macroeconomic conditions. Investors should conduct thorough research and consider long-term fundamentals when making investment decisions. Key Takeaways Analyze company fundamentals and market trends for informed decisions Stay informed about economic indicators and central bank policies Maintain diversification across sectors and asset classes Published: January 7, 2026 | Source: Yahoo Finance