Auto-New Domestic

Vehicle problems after three years of ownership have reached the highest level since 2009, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, released recently. The rise in problems is attributable to mass-market brands experiencing an increase related in part to software defects.

Miscellaneous

On TikTok, Americans often follow people who have a strong social media presence. These people are often referred to as "influencers" or "content creators," though they rarely use either term to describe themselves on the platform itself. Creator accounts make up about half of all accounts that U.S. TikTok users follow.

Restaurants

Many restaurant chains, like Restaurant Brands' Burger King and Popeyes, said sales improved in the fourth quarter as value offerings brought back diners who had been cooking at home instead. Even McDonald's domestic traffic grew, despite a 1.4% decline in U.S. same-store sales. But the trend reversed in January.