AI shopping lifts retail media clicks: Marketers may have opportunities to influence shoppers as purchase decisions take shape via retailers’ AI features.

They’re planning broad AI expansion in payments, advice, and support to attract younger members and better rival banks.

Consumer spending will come under greater pressure during the 2026 holiday season, slowing retail and ecommerce sales growth compared with the rest of the year.

Brands are adjusting to a different setting for this year's FIFA World Cup, as fans of the tournament, which runs through July 19, follow the action on a highly fragmented array of channels, forcing brands to come up with creative ways to engage them. “Hosting the tournament in North America, specifically in the States, is pulling fans decisively off traditional broadcast and into digital and connected TV (CTV) to follow along,” said Rod Paolucci, global head of marketing at Channel Factory. In addition to streaming the games on a big screen, many viewers will be checking social media and other feeds on a mobile second screen.

AI bypasses search: Nearly 1 in 5 consumers have bought from an AI recommendation without searching first, according to exclusive Fractl data.

Gen Z repayment behaviors require P2P players to consider settling up strategies for group payments.

As Gen Z ownership nears millennials’, banks must add crypto services or risk losing younger customers.

This FAQ covers boomer digital habits, where to reach them, and how brands win the segment in 2026.

The healthcare cost crisis hits everyone, but especially Gen Z, making even modest steps like promoting lower-cost products and financial assistance an opportunity for healthcare players to improve their standing with strained patients.

The launch of Visa Destinations beefs up travel rewards that nets younger consumers’ loyalty

Gen Zers and millennials are moving assets from bank deposits into stocks, ETFs, and crypto on fintech platforms.

BNPL providers must focus on engagement over acquisition as the space matures. As installments become a budgeting tool and expand into higher-ticket categories, providers face rising competition to own more of consumers’ everyday spending.

More young adults struggle with financial strain, creating an opening for banking products.

AI boosts efficiency, while advisors provide judgment, planning, and relationships.

The tie-up with the Knot could open up a large volume opportunity for the P2P player.

Pride participation pays off: 37% back brands in Pride, up 9 points, as Gen Z leads and authentic allyship drives loyalty.

AI labels don’t dent ads: MediaScience research shows that AI transparency leaves performance intact—and consumer trust stronger.

New Tag-integrated wands play on social media trends for brand awareness.

TikTok courts microdrama creators: Sundance tie-up trains short-form storytellers as brands eye booming, ad-ready series.

Generational differences in credit behaviors point to need for increased credit flexibility at the POS.