Marketplace All-in-One 'Tis the season of holiday bonuses ... for some
Dec 26, 2025
Courtney Brown, an Axios reporter, analyzes the shifting landscape of holiday bonuses amid a challenging labor market. Carla Javier shares insights on the declining prevalence of year-end bonuses across industries. Tim Walsh, toy designer and author, reveals the unexpected origins of Play-Doh and its lasting cultural impact. Meanwhile, Doug Montgomery, CEO and anime expert, discusses the industry's explosive growth and the financial dynamics of popular titles. Tune in for a fascinating blend of economic trends and cultural stories!
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Consumer Resilience Masks Risk
- The U.S. consumer remained unusually resilient in 2025 despite tariffs and weak sentiment.
- Journalists worry how long high-end consumer spending can sustain the economy if labor softens.
Housing Worsens The K-Shaped Gap
- The K-shaped recovery is widening as higher-income spending outpaces affordability for lower-income people.
- Housing supply and persistent rates have blocked progress toward narrowing that gap.
K-Shape Across The Economy
- The K-shape shows up across markets, from consumers to stocks where AI-linked firms outperform others.
- That concentration raises risk if stock-market-driven high-end spending cools.