Morning Business Report: Record-breaking Cyber Monday expected as AI drives global sales surge
Salesforce is forecasting a record-breaking Cyber Week, kicking off with Cyber Monday today.
(LILAMAX)- Salesforce is forecasting a record-breaking Cyber Week, kicking off with Cyber Monday today. The company predicts global online sales will hit $334 billion, up 6% from last year, with U.S. sales expected to reach $78 billion, a 3% increase.
The biggest change this year is the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. Salesforce says AI will influence more than one in five online purchases, accounting for an estimated $73 billion in global sales. Deep discounts and the rising popularity of “buy now, pay later” apps are helping boost spending as well.
Meanwhile, defense-tech firms and AI startups are finding new opportunities in President Trump’s expanding drug war, especially in operations targeting Venezuela. Drone and imaging technology companies are assisting the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy in Caribbean interdictions, while AI developers from Silicon Valley to Dubai are pitching analytic platforms to map fentanyl-trafficking networks.
Stocks also gained in Friday’s shortened trading session, closing near a record high and capping a five-day rally that erased most losses from earlier this month. Markets have been volatile amid concerns over AI spending and anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s December meeting.
Looking ahead, several job sectors are expected to grow significantly over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that wind turbine technicians will be the fastest-growing occupation with a 50% increase. Roles in solar energy, nursing, and data science are also expected to see strong demand.
At the box office, Disney’s “Zootopia 2” brought in an estimated $156 million domestically over Thanksgiving weekend, while Universal’s “Wicked: For Good” added another $93 million. The total Thanksgiving box office haul is expected to approach $300 million, placing it among the top-five holiday performances.
