Layoffs Surge, AI Spending Soars, and Consumer Confidence Collapses

Money Masters' Market Kickoff Week 46

November 10, 2025

In partnership with

Dear Money Master,

This week starts with wild contradictions. On Main Street, the U.S. labor market flashed warning signs, layoffs spiked to their highest October level in 22 years, retailers announced the weakest holiday hiring season in over a decade, and consumer sentiment plunged to near-record lows as shutdown fears rattled households.

But on Wall Street, Big Tech doubled down. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft poured billions into AI infrastructure, and even beneath the ocean, tech titans now control nearly half of the world’s underwater data cables powering the digital economy.

In earnings, the mood was just as mixed. Peloton defied skeptics with back-to-back profits and stronger holiday guidance. Airbnb’s bookings soared, Block (Square) disappointed investors, and Archer Aviation’s $650 million share sale sent its stock tumbling despite ambitious air taxi plans for the 2028 Olympics. 🌍💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - November 10th, 2025

🌍 Economics & Finance:

  1. Retail Holiday Hiring Slumps to 15-Year Low 🛍️
    Retailers expect to hire just 265,000–365,000 seasonal workers this year, far below 2024’s 442,000. The National Retail Federation attributes the slowdown to softer labor demand and cautious consumer spending ahead of the holidays.
    Read More

  2. Consumer Sentiment Hits 3-Year Low on Shutdown Worries 📉
    The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment fell to 50.3 in November, its second-lowest reading since 1978. Concerns over a potential government shutdown dragged optimism down 30% year-over-year. Read More

  3. October Layoffs Spike to Highest Since 2003 ⚠️
    U.S. firms announced over 153,000 job cuts in October, a 183% jump from September. The surge, led by tech and finance sectors, marks the worst October for layoffs in 22 years amid AI-driven restructuring. Read More

💻 Technology:

  1. Big Tech Builds Beneath the Waves 🌐
    Over 95% of global data now travels via undersea cables, with companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon owning roughly half of the infrastructure. The fiber-optic web connecting continents is now a critical backbone for AI and cloud computing. Read More

  2. AI Spending Spree: Smart Bet or Risky Burn? 💸
    Amazon, Microsoft, and Google boosted capital spending on AI infrastructure this quarter, drawing mixed reactions from investors. While some see long-term gains, others fear short-term overreach amid rising capital intensity. Read More

  3. AI Tools Empower Neurodiverse Professionals at Work 🧠✨
    A UK government study found neurodiverse employees, including those with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, were 25% more satisfied using AI assistants than neurotypical peers. Generative AI tools now help summarize meetings, organize notes, and enhance focus, creating a more inclusive and productive workplace. Read More

💹Earnings:

  1. Peloton Pedals Back to Profit 🚴‍♂️
    The fitness firm posted a $13.9 million profit for Q1 2026, its second straight profitable quarter. It raised full-year EBITDA guidance to as much as $475 million on strong holiday expectations and revamped product lines. Read More 

  2. Airbnb Posts Strong Q3 on Higher Bookings 🏠
    Revenue climbed 10% to $4.1 billion as Airbnb logged $1.37 billion in profit. The company projects Q4 sales of up to $2.72 billion and introduced flexible booking features like “reserve now, pay later.” Read More

  3. Block Misses on Earnings, Stock Slips 💳
    Block (formerly Square) reported adjusted EPS of 54 cents vs. 67 expected, with $6.11 billion in revenue. Gross profit rose 9% YoY, but weaker hardware sales and partner shifts slowed growth momentum. Read More

  4. Archer Aviation Shares Plunge on Stock Sale ✈️
    Despite narrower losses, Archer’s $650 million share offering overshadowed earnings, sending the stock down. Funds will finance its Hawthorne Airport purchase, set to serve as an air taxi hub for the 2028 LA Olympics. Read More

Shoppers are adding to cart for the holidays

Over the next year, Roku predicts that 100% of the streaming audience will see ads. For growth marketers in 2026, CTV will remain an important “safe space” as AI creates widespread disruption in the search and social channels. Plus, easier access to self-serve CTV ad buying tools and targeting options will lead to a surge in locally-targeted streaming campaigns.

Read our guide to find out why growth marketers should make sure CTV is part of their 2026 media mix.

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.