A recap of financial industry news from Pré Newswire for November and December that you might have overlooked.
By Christabelle Bautista | Posted on January 10, 2025
OVER 7,000 finance-related press releases emerged in November and December, so it’s understandable if you lost track! During these two months, we kept a close eye on trends and highlights in the financial sector and would like to share a few key developments that caught our attention.
As the holiday season wrapped up and we began looking toward the new year, discussions about holiday spending and predictions for 2025 in the financial realm became prevalent. The new year often brings a focus on personal finance and retirement for many, which we noted in various publications via Pr Newswire.
Let’s dive in!
Noteworthy Financial Headlines
Here are some of the leading titles from November and December:
Trends in Financial News
Now, let’s explore some financial trends from the last couple of months:
Holiday Spending
As the holidays concluded, spending data showcased a healthy mix of cautious optimism among American consumers. It was reported that the average American spent over $2,000 during the 2024 holiday season, as indicated by a recent survey. Credit card rewards played a significant role, with a Cardrates.com survey highlighting that 83% of consumers choose cards based on perks like cashback and travel rewards—essential tools for maximizing spending power during the holiday season.
Here are some holiday-related releases we identified in November and December:
Retailers, as per tradition, aimed to create festive experiences for customers, a strategy embraced by financial companies as well. For instance, check out Revive Real Estate’s remodeling of Santa’s North Pole home, a campaign that combined modern design with holiday magic, capturing the attention of many online and in stores. Additionally, Zillow’s Santa’s house featured a new option allowing families to notify Santa of their address change, ensuring gift delivery accuracy.
Personal Finance and Retirement
As we transition into 2025, personal finance and retirement planning remain significant priorities for many Americans. Financial stress continues to weigh heavily, especially for those nearing retirement, as noted in our previous report. While some economic indicators appear robust, concerns about financial futures persist.
A debt.com survey revealed that over half of Americans anticipate leaving debt for their loved ones, underscoring widespread challenges in achieving financial stability even into retirement. Another study discovered that many individuals worry about inadequate retirement savings, causing sleepless nights. Such findings highlight the necessity of proactive financial planning to avert common regrets. It’s true—there’s no age too young to start saving for the future.
Beyond the common advice of “start saving early,” some individuals opt to consult professionals for guidance in optimizing their wealth for a more secure retirement. A report from Pontera and the Independent Advisor Alliance emphasized the critical role of financial advisers in maximizing retirement savings through planning, analysis, rebalancing, and tax strategies that incorporate clients’ investment and retirement accounts.
Additionally, a study indicated that regrets related to retirement motivate Americans to establish financial resolutions for the new year, including increasing savings rates, cutting unnecessary expenses, and seeking professional financial advice.
Financial Forecasts for 2025
The start of the year is a time for reflection and planning, where press releases assess the previous year’s developments while anticipating future trends in the industry. In 2025, Americans are clearly reevaluating their financial priorities and looking for ways to secure their future. Economic uncertainty is expected to significantly influence financial landscapes across all sectors.
Following recent economic shifts, including inflation and tighter credit conditions, many experts predict consumer caution will persist in 2025. According to a BMO survey, over a quarter of Americans plan to reduce spending due to concerns over personal finances and the economic situation, indicating greater selectivity in purchases, with a focus on value and long-term benefits over impulse buys.
While consumers may face challenges with housing and everyday expenses, the Vanguard 2025 Economic Perspectives forecasts a potential easing of pressures, allowing both businesses and consumers more breathing room. However, economic growth is expected to remain moderate, with continuing geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain disruptions impacting global markets.
Amid heightened geopolitical risks and the need for more resilient supply chains, a Bain & Company report indicated that businesses are shifting production closer to home to mitigate supply chain delays and trade issues. This strategy is likely to enhance production speed and local manufacturing, potentially lowering costs for certain products. However, businesses may encounter increased labor costs and infrastructure investments, which could lead to higher prices for consumers. An S&P Global report highlighted the potential disruptions related to climate change, posing further challenges for global supply chains and creating unpredictable costs for industries reliant on international trade.
Here are a few additional financial forecasts for 2025 shared via Pr Newswire during November and December:
Looking Ahead
We will be closely monitoring reports on year-end financial results to gauge how companies are adapting to escalating costs and alterations in supply chains. Additionally, we will track consumer reactions to the housing market. The increasing adoption of AI will continue to transform the financial sector as the industry approaches emerging risks related to data privacy and ethical concerns. Trends in personal finance, such as cautious spending and retirement planning, will remain vital as consumers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty.
Stay tuned!
About the Author
Christabelle Bautista is a senior content editor at Pr Newswire, with experience in the industry since 2018. She enjoys trying new cuisines, exploring new places, and watching local musicals.