Investing and Global Finance News

Diverse Brands Gain Ground in Resale Market

Resale platform StockX has released its midyear report on brand performance, offering a snapshot of where consumer demand is accelerating in 2025. The data compares global sales from the first half of the year to the same period in 2024, providing insight into shifting tastes in sneakers, apparel, accessories, collectibles, and shoes.

In footwear, performance-oriented designs continue to drive growth. Asics held its lead for the second year, while Salomon rebounded after a slower 2024, helped by new iterations of its core trail-running styles. Chinese brand Anta extended its rise, and Swiss company On maintained steady gains without relying on limited “hype” releases. These results suggest performance brands are broadening their reach beyond niche audiences.

Collectibles remain a high-velocity segment. Pop Mart’s Labubu character sustained a dominant position, benefiting from both viral popularity and the blind box sales model, which could have applications in other consumer categories. Trading cards also saw renewed momentum, with Pokémon and Topps each posting significant growth tied to product launches and secondary market price appreciation.

In accessories, artist collaborations proved potent drivers. Takashi Murakami’s projects with New Era and Louis Vuitton generated rapid sell-outs and strong resale premiums, reinforcing the investment value of well-executed creative partnerships.

Apparel activity was boosted by sports culture, with Cactus Plant Flea Market’s jersey-inspired releases and Mitchell & Ness’s classic basketball lines attracting sustained buyer interest. Outside sneakers, brands like Clarks and Bravest Studios found demand by offering distinctive styles that stand apart from mass trends.

The trends point to cultural relevance, scarcity, and creative partnerships as central forces shaping growth in the resale market.

ChatGPT Moves Closer to Becoming a Digital Assistant

OpenAI’s latest development for ChatGPT introduces an impressive new capability: acting as a helpful digital agent that can carry out tasks for users. This move underlines the growing momentum behind transforming how people interact with the internet. Instead of the constant switching between browser tabs and apps, users might soon depend on AI-powered assistants that… Continue Reading

China’s Electric Car Surge: Innovation, Scale, and Global Impact

Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly gaining popularity for their sleek design and competitive pricing. One standout model is the BYD Dolphin Surf, a small city car launching in the UK at just £18,000. While not the cheapest EV on the market, it represents a strong new contender to established brands, especially as BYD recently… Continue Reading

GIA’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Labels Signal a Major Shift

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is transitioning to a new grading system for lab-grown diamonds (LGDs), moving away from the traditional 4C’s — color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Under the new system, LGDs will be categorized as “premium” or “standard” based on quality characteristics. This change aims to provide consumers with clearer and… Continue Reading

Planning for a More Flexible Retirement

As retirees reach age 73, the IRS requires them to begin taking annual withdrawals from most tax-deferred retirement accounts, known as required minimum distributions, or RMDs. These withdrawals are intended to ensure that retirement savings are eventually taxed, but they can also create unexpected financial challenges if not managed carefully. From higher tax bills to… Continue Reading

GENIUS Act: A Turning Point for Stablecoin Regulation

The U.S. Senate has taken a significant step toward regulating the stablecoin market by advancing the GENIUS Act with strong bipartisan support. The bill, which passed 66–22, establishes clear rules for stablecoin issuers, requiring them to maintain equivalent reserves, provide consumer protections in the event of insolvency, and adhere to established anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism… Continue Reading

Disney’s ESPN Streaming Expands Viewer Options

Disney is set to introduce a new era in sports streaming by launching a direct-to-consumer ESPN service this fall. For the first time, fans will be able to access the complete lineup of ESPN channels and live events without a cable subscription, reflecting the steady decline of traditional TV viewership and the growing demand for… Continue Reading

Egg Prices: US vs. Canada

As egg prices in the United States hit record highs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking at Canada, where eggs remain plentiful and affordable, sparking interest in understanding the differences in egg production between the two nations. In Canada, consumers can pick from an array of egg types, with no shortage in sight.… Continue Reading