Marketplace 'Tis the season of holiday bonuses ... for some
42 snips
Dec 26, 2025 
Courtney Brown, a reporter at Axios, sheds light on the declining trend of holiday bonuses, attributing this shift to changing workplace norms and a tight labor market. Carla Javier dives into the details of who still receives these bonuses, revealing industry variations. Tim Walsh shares the quirky history of Play-Doh, once a wallpaper cleaner turned beloved toy. Meanwhile, Doug Montgomery discusses the explosive growth of the anime industry, highlighting its financial dynamics and possible market saturation.
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Resilient Consumer Masks Fragile Risks
- The U.S. consumer remained unusually resilient throughout 2025 despite tariffs and weak sentiment.
- Reporters worry this could change if the labor market weakens or stock gains halt.
Housing Keeps The K‑Shaped Economy Alive
- Economic gains are unequal and higher-end consumers can drown out worsening conditions for lower-income people.
- Housing shortages and high rents are key drivers keeping the K-shaped divide alive.
K-Shape Extends To Businesses And Markets
- The K-shaped pattern shows up across markets: some firms (notably AI winners) soar while others lag.
- If stock gains slow, high-income consumer-driven spending could also falter.