Japan GDP Growth Beats Forecast, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Bets 
UK House Prices Fall for First Time Since 2023 
Yen Rebounds as BOJ Rate Hike Bets Rise 
Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Tensions Threaten Supply 
Hungary Industrial Output Beats Forecasts With 4.7% July Growth 
US Stock Futures Mixed as Strong Jobs Data Boosts Fed Rate Hike Bets 
Japan, U.S. Stay Aligned on Yen as Currency Surges 
Oil Prices Climb as Iran Threatens Gulf Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Currencies Mixed as Yen Rallies on BOJ Bets 
Hormuz Shipping Slows as Iran Threats Lift Oil Risks 
Iran Threatens Gulf Energy Assets as U.S. Tensions Escalate 
OPEC+ Expected to Hold October Oil Output Steady 
China Boosts Gold Reserves by 650,000 Ounces as Prices Rally 
Gold Holds Near $4,400 as Fed Hike Bets Rise 
China Exports Surge 25% in August as Trade Surplus Hits $119 Billion 
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Online sales in the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day are projected to climb 6% from last year, reaching an estimated $8.6 billion, according to new Salesforce data released Thursday. The strong uptick in online spending highlights how consumers are taking advantage of aggressive holiday discounts despite ongoing economic uncertainty tied to tariff pressures. As of 2 p.m. ET, Thanksgiving e-commerce spending had already hit $2.6 billion, a 5.8% increase from the same time a year ago, reflecting strong mid-day momentum.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday traditionally mark the start of the holiday shopping season—an essential period that contributes roughly one-third of annual sales and profits for U.S. retailers. This year’s kickoff comes amid concerns around rising import costs due to tariffs implemented under President Donald Trump, which have pushed retailers to offer heavier promotions to keep demand strong. Even with softer consumer sentiment, early results from major American retailers indicate that shoppers are still eager to purchase discounted electronics, apparel, and holiday gifts.
Salesforce data also shows global online spending hitting $13.1 billion so far on Thanksgiving, with worldwide digital sales expected to reach $36 billion by the end of the day. Black Friday, historically the biggest online shopping day of the year, is forecast to generate $78 billion in global e-commerce sales and about $18 billion in the U.S. alone.
Retailers such as Best Buy report strong demand for discounted laptops, smartphones, and other electronics, while apparel brands including Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch say they are optimistic about customer interest driven by attractive promotions. Broader forecasts for the 2025 holiday season remain cautious, with Mastercard data suggesting value-seeking shoppers will continue to rely on promotions. Salesforce previously projected U.S. online holiday sales to grow 2.1% to $288 billion between November 1 and December 31, easing from last year’s 4% rise.
