$283B in Store Brands, 150% TikTok Uninstalls, Robotaxis Cut Prices!

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Dear Money Master,

While AI continues to dominate headlines, it was old-fashioned consumer spending that did the heavy lifting for U.S. economic growth in 2025. Shoppers leaned hard into private-label brands, pushing store-brand sales to a record $283 billion as affordability pressures refused to ease.

At the same time, China’s factories quietly returned to profit after three years of decline, signaling stabilization, but not strength, as domestic demand remains fragile. In tech, sentiment turned sharply as TikTok saw U.S. uninstalls surge nearly 150% following its joint-venture announcement, raising questions about user trust and regulatory fallout. Even the future of mobility is flashing warning signs, with Waymo slashing prices to stay competitive as robotaxis inch closer to Uber-level fares.

Earnings season only deepened the divide. Boeing delivered a revenue rebound, General Motors raised its 2026 outlook, and American Airlines missed badly.🪙💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - January 28th, 2026

🌍 Economics, Finance, & Retail :

1. Private-Label Products Hit Record Sales 🛒
   Store-brand spending reached nearly $283 billion last year, rising 3.3% as budget-conscious consumers traded down. Private labels grew almost three times faster than national brands. Read More

2. Consumption, Not AI, Drove U.S. GDP Growth 📊
   Consumer spending was the largest contributor to economic expansion in 2025. AI-related components added roughly 0.9 percentage points to GDP growth, accounting for under 40% of gains. Read More

3. China’s Industrial Profits Return to Growth 🏭
   Factory profits edged up 0.6% in 2025 after three years of decline, with December posting the strongest monthly gain since September. Read More

4. Bob’s Discount Furniture Targets $2.48B IPO Valuation 🛋️
   The retailer plans to raise up to $369.6 million by selling 19.45 million shares priced between $17 and $19. Proceeds are expected to help manage debt while tapping public markets amid cautious consumer spending trends. Read More

💻 Technology:

1. TikTok Uninstalls Spike After U.S. Joint Venture News 📱
   Daily deletions surged nearly 150% in the past five days compared with the prior three-month average. The reaction suggests rising user uncertainty as the platform restructures its U.S. operations under a new joint venture. Read More

2. Waymo Narrows Price Gap With Uber 🚕
   Average robotaxi fares fell to $19.69, down 3.6% from last year, while Uber and Lyft prices climbed. The convergence highlights intensifying competition as autonomous rides move closer to mainstream cost parity. Read More

3. Microsoft Wins Approval for Wisconsin Data Center Expansion 🏗️
   Local officials approved plans for 15 additional facilities near the Foxconn site. The project could generate jobs for a decade and underscores Microsoft’s accelerating infrastructure buildout to support AI and cloud demand. Read More

💹Earnings:

1. American Airlines Misses Earnings Expectations ✈️
   Adjusted EPS came in at 16 cents, well below forecasts, as net income fell sharply from last year. Revenue rose modestly, but higher costs and competitive pressures weighed on profitability. Read More

2. Boeing Delivers Revenue Surge and Strong Cash Flow ✈️
   Quarterly revenue jumped 57% year over year to $23.9 billion, beating expectations. Cash flow reached $400 million, roughly double estimates, signaling operational momentum after prior production challenges. Read More

3. General Motors Beats Estimates and Lifts 2026 Outlook 🚗
   GM topped earnings expectations with adjusted EPS of $2.51 and issued upbeat guidance for 2026. The automaker now forecasts up to $11.7 billion in net income, reflecting confidence in margins and product mix. Read More

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To your financial empowerment, The Money Masters Team

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