On today's show, we're lifting the veil on a little-known profession in the legal field: private judges. These are judges that businesses or individuals resort to when traditional courts are too slow, too expensive, or too time-consuming. But first, AI is helping out with our holiday shopping. Adobe Analytics says traffic to retail websites that originated from AI tools like chatbots was up 805% compared to last year.
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A spendy, splurgy Black Friday
Despite wavering confidence, Adobe says consumer spending broke records on Black Friday, clocking in at more than $11 billion. Shoppers were enticed by bargains, buying up TVs, computers, clothes, furniture, and toys. And Salesforce expects Cyber Week sales to also hit an all-time high of $78 billion. Also: signs of a continuously struggling housing market and, from Marketplace's "How We Survive," a look at how solar power can aid agriculture.
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Factory output in China falls yet again
From the BBC World Service: Factories in China have long been an engine of economic growth, so it's worrying for leaders in Beijing that a new survey shows activity unexpectedly contracted in November. It's the eighth straight month that production has shrunk. What's it telling us about the world's second biggest economy? And later, Iran is experiencing an unprecedented drought, with rainfall at record lows and reservoirs nearly empty. Officials are pleading with citizens to conserve water.
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A scourge of "lawless, stateless" vessels
But for years now, Russia has gotten around some of these sanctions through its so-called "shadow fleet" — unidentified tankers sailing with no flag or fake flags. These boats are also often uninsured, and European naval officials say the shadow fleet is growing. Are the rules of the sea now in rough waters? Also on the program: frank reflections on the uneasiness that can come with interacting with AI slop.
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The hunt for deals begins. Ready, set, go!
Black Friday still brings more shoppers into stores than any other day of the year. For many, it’s the official kick-off to the holiday shopping season. And while Black Friday may be dominated by the Targets and Walmarts of the world, millions of shoppers will go to mom-and-pop retailers on Small Business Saturday. We'll preview this weekend's retail extravaganza. Also, Social Security benefits can act as a financial buoy for the children and spouses of deceased individuals.
In less than 10 minutes, we'll get you up to speed on all the news you missed overnight. Throughout the morning, Marketplace's David Brancaccio will bring you the latest business and economic stories you need to know to start your day. And before U.S. markets open, you'll get a global markets update from the BBC World Service in London.
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