Consumers Won’t Slow Down, Bank Profits Surge, and Saks Files Chapter 11!

Money Masters' Market Pulse Week 3

January 16, 2026

In partnership with

Dear Money Master,

The numbers are getting harder to ignore. U.S. retail sales jumped 0.6% in November, crushing expectations, even as wholesale inflation cooled, a combination that threatens the market’s rate-cut narrative. Consumers are still spending, apparel and e-commerce are accelerating, and demand refuses to crack.

But beneath the surface, stress is building. Saks Global filed for Chapter 11 after its $2.7 billion merger, the U.K. economy slipped back into contraction, and policymakers are walking a tightrope between growth and financial stability.

At the same time, AI is no longer just a tech story. Cerebras locked in a $10+ billion OpenAI deal, Nvidia won approval to sell advanced chips to China with a 25% government cut, and Amazon launched a sovereign cloud in Europe, signaling a new era where data, compute power, and politics collide.

Wall Street? It’s winning. Bank of America, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs all beat expectations, while TSMC posted record profits, driven by relentless AI chip demand. 🌍💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - January 16th, 2026

🌍 Economics:

  1. U.S. Retail Sales Jump Despite Inflation Cooling 🛒
    Retail sales climbed 0.6% in November, topping forecasts, while producer prices rose just 0.2%. Strong consumer demand, even as inflation eases, complicates the Fed’s timeline for rate cuts. Read More

  2. November Retail Spending Climbs 3.9% Year Over Year 📈
    Total retail sales reached $284.8 billion, powered by e-commerce growth of 5.5% and a 7.4% jump in apparel. Home goods fell 4%, while electronics demand remained flat. Read More

  3. Saks Global Files for Chapter 11 After Merger Struggles 🏬
    The retailer sought bankruptcy protection following a difficult year after its $2.7 billion merger with Neiman Marcus. Leadership changes and restructuring efforts are now underway. Read More

  4. U.K. Economy Grew in November 🇬🇧
    GDP grew 0.3% in November, with economists now expecting 2026 to improve as the Bank of England continues easing monetary policy. Read More

💻 Technology:

  1. Cerebras Lands $10B+ OpenAI Computing Deal 🤖
    The AI chipmaker will supply up to 750 megawatts of computing power through 2028. The agreement reduces reliance on UAE-backed G42, which previously drove most of its revenue. Read More

  2. White House Approves Nvidia AI Chip Sales to China 🇨🇳
    The U.S. will allow Nvidia to sell H200 AI chips to China, taking a 25% cut of proceeds. The move follows new regulations governing advanced semiconductor exports. Read More

  3. Amazon Expands Sovereign Cloud in Europe ☁️
    AWS launched a new EU-controlled cloud in Germany, legally and operationally separate from other regions. The move targets governments and regulated industries demanding data sovereignty. Read More

💹Earnings:

  1. Bank of America Beats Estimates as Profit Jumps 12% 💵
    Earnings hit 98 cents per share on $28.53 billion in revenue, driven by stronger net interest income, trading activity, and asset management fees. Read More

  2. Citigroup Earnings Top Forecasts Despite Russia Exit Charge 🏦
    Adjusted EPS reached $1.81, beating expectations. A $1.1 billion after-tax loss tied to exiting Russia dragged reported profits lower year over year. Read More

  3. TSMC Posts Record Profit on AI Chip Demand 🚀
    Net income surged past NT$505 billion as revenue topped NT$1 trillion for the quarter. AI-driven orders fueled the eighth straight quarter of profit growth. Read More

  4. Goldman Sachs Profit Jumps 12% on Capital Markets Strength 📊
    Earnings reached $14.01 per share as trading and dealmaking rebounded. Revenue came in slightly below estimates, but margins improved across core businesses. Read More

Your competitors are already automating. Here's the data.

Retail and ecommerce teams using AI for customer service are resolving 40-60% more tickets without more staff, cutting cost-per-ticket by 30%+, and handling seasonal spikes 3x faster.

But here's what separates winners from everyone else: they started with the data, not the hype.

Gladly handles the predictable volume, FAQs, routing, returns, order status, while your team focuses on customers who need a human touch. The result? Better experiences. Lower costs. Real competitive advantage. Ready to see what's possible for your business?

To your financial empowerment, The Money Masters Team

P.S. Stay connected! Don't forget to follow us on social media! 📱🌐

DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for any losses incurred as a result of actions taken based on the information provided. Always conduct your own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.