U.S. Growth Surprise, Cheaper Gas, and Google’s Power Grab!

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Dear Money Master,

Markets are ending the year on a strong and telling note. The U.S. economy is growing far faster than expected, with GDP surging at a 4.3% annualized pace, underscoring resilient consumer spending. At the same time, Americans are getting relief where it matters most, gas prices have fallen below $3 a gallon, making this the cheapest December at the pump since the pandemic.

On the corporate front, Big Tech is accelerating its AI power grab. Google is investing billions to secure energy infrastructure for data centers, while ServiceNow’s multi-billion-dollar cybersecurity acquisition signals how critical AI-era security has become. Media consolidation is also heating up, with Larry Ellison stepping in to influence a high-stakes battle between Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Netflix.

Meanwhile, traditional retail continues to reshape itself. A major J.C. Penney real estate deal collapsed, highlighting lingering post-bankruptcy challenges, while Lululemon doubled down on international expansion, targeting Europe and India to fuel its next phase of growth.

On the earnings front, SIFCO Industries reported steady improvement, with quarterly sales rising 5% and losses narrowing significantly. Ennis delivered modest revenue growth but stood out on profitability, expanding gross margins by over 250 basis points. Meanwhile, LogProstyle showed the strongest momentum, with operating income up 31%, margins expanding sharply, and net income climbing 34%.🌍💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - December 24th, 2025

🌍 Economics:

1. U.S. Economy Accelerates Past Forecasts 🚀
   Consumer spending surged while imports declined, pushing annualized GDP growth to 4.3%, well above expectations. The pace also exceeded the four-year average, signaling resilient demand despite tighter financial conditions. Read More

2. Gas Prices Drop to Lowest December Level Since 2020 ⛽
   National averages stayed below $3 per gallon for most of the month, easing holiday travel costs. AAA says this marks the cheapest December for drivers since the pandemic-era demand collapse. Read More

3. J.C. Penney Store Sale Deal Falls Apart 🏬
   A planned $947 million sale of 119 stores collapsed after repeated delays. The failed transaction highlights ongoing challenges tied to assets spun out of the retailer’s 2020 bankruptcy. Read More

4. Lululemon Pushes Deeper Into Global Markets 🌍
   The athleisure brand will enter six new countries in 2026, expanding online access across Europe and tapping India via Tata’s luxury and fashion platforms to fuel international growth. Read More

💻 Technology:

1. Ellison Raises Stakes in Paramount–Warner–Netflix Battle 🎬
   Larry Ellison offered personal backing to strengthen Paramount Skydance’s bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, challenging Netflix’s $80B+ acquisition push and intensifying the streaming consolidation war. Read More 

2. Google Buys Intersect to Power AI Expansion ⚡
   Alphabet agreed to acquire energy infrastructure firm Intersect for $4.75B, aiming to secure scalable power generation as AI-driven data center demand accelerates across the U.S. Read More

3. ServiceNow Snaps Up Armis in $7.75B Cybersecurity Deal 🔐
   The acquisition strengthens ServiceNow’s AI-era security stack. Armis, last valued at $6.1B, had been preparing for an IPO before agreeing to the takeover. Read More

💹Earnings:

1. SIFCO Industries Narrows Losses as Sales Rise 📊
   Quarterly revenue climbed 5% to $22.8M, while losses from continuing operations shrank sharply. EBITDA improved year-over-year, signaling operational stabilization. Read More 

2. Ennis Posts Margin Expansion and EPS Growth 💵
   Revenue edged higher to $100.2M, while gross margins jumped to 31.9%. Earnings per share rose year-over-year, reflecting improved cost control. Read More

3. LogProstyle Delivers Profit Surge Despite Flat Revenue 📈
   Operating income jumped 31%, margins expanded over 200 basis points, and net income climbed 34%, highlighting efficiency gains in a challenging revenue environment. 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.

Learn more.

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.