Connected Economy

The innovations in technology, connected devices, software, payments and cellular technology make it possible for people and businesses to connect with each other and do business via any device, an in any digital or physical location safely, securely, and in real time. This integration of the digital and physical worlds will transform the economy across the ten pillars that today represent its key cornerstones – pillars that are already experiencing the impact of disruptive innovation as new blended, digital-first experience-driven ecosystems are now taking shape.

Ulta Beauty Says New Products and Engaging Displays Drive Growth 
Ulta Beauty Says New Products and Engaging Displays Drive Growth 
December 02, 2022  |  Retail

New brands and product innovation are driving growth at Ulta Beauty.  The cosmetics and skincare retailer said in a Thursday (Dec. 1) press release that during its...

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Twitter Offers ‘100% Value Add’ to Some Advertisers 
Twitter Offers ‘100% Value Add’ to Some Advertisers 
December 01, 2022  |  Social Commerce

Twitter is reportedly offering to match a portion of the ad spending of some advertisers.  For those that increase their ad spending by at least $500,000,...

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Tether Stablecoins Face Renewed Scrutiny Post-FTX
Tether Stablecoins Face Renewed Scrutiny Post-FTX
December 01, 2022  |  Cryptocurrency

Tether, an asset-backed cryptocurrency stablecoin, has been lending its coins to customers. That’s according to a new report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) today (Dec. 1)....

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Thales Intros Voice Payment Card for Visually Impaired 
Thales Intros Voice Payment Card for Visually Impaired 
December 01, 2022  |  Payment Methods

Thales has introduced a Voice Payment Card for the visually impaired. First revealed in September, the assistive technology has now been certified by Visa and Mastercard,...

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60% of Consumers Say Discounts Will Determine Holiday Shopping Loyalty 
60% of Consumers Say Discounts Will Determine Holiday Shopping Loyalty 
December 01, 2022  |  Retail

A new study shows price is everything as budget-minded decisions are consumers’ top drivers. In the latest edition of “New Reality Check: The Paycheck-To-Paycheck Report:...

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Senate Agriculture Committee To Grill U.S. Financial Regulator Over FTX
Senate Agriculture Committee To Grill U.S. Financial Regulator Over FTX
December 01, 2022  |  Cryptocurrency

The first congressional inquiry into what went wrong at FTX is happening today (Dec. 1). In what is sure to be just one of many such hearings investigating the...

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Online Betting Remains Bellwether Proving Ground for Real-Time Payments
Online Betting Remains Bellwether Proving Ground for Real-Time Payments
December 01, 2022  |  Faster Payments

Instant payments are increasingly what move the needle for sports bettors. The global sports betting industry is widely projected to deliver outsized growth in the...

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Consumers Earned and Spent More in October 
Consumers Earned and Spent More in October 
December 01, 2022  |  Economy

Consumers’ incomes and expenditures increased by about the same rate in October.  The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported Thursday (Dec. 1) that personal income increased by 0.7%, disposable...

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D2C Subscription Firms Pivot Amid Margin Pressure
D2C Subscription Firms Pivot Amid Margin Pressure
November 30, 2022  |  Subscription Commerce

Facing ongoing macroeconomic pressure, many direct-to-consumer subscription companies are being forced to adjust. Consumers are tightening their belts, cutting down their subscriptions. According to this...

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