Connected Economy

Connected Economy
Will 5G Make 2024 the Industrial Economy’s Most Connected Year Yet?
December 07, 2023

5G broadband networks are viewed by many as a business-first digital innovation and enterprise revolution. And that isn’t because, from a consumer standpoint, 5G networks are just around the corner from being just around the corner as we head into 2024. It’s because 5G broadband networks give...

Connected Economy
Bumble Debuts AI-Powered Conversation Starters and Plans for Friends
December 04, 2023

In a digital age where making meaningful connections can be challenging, Bumble For Friends is making it easier for people to connect and make friends online. With the introduction of two updates on Monday (Dec. 4) — AI-powered conversation starters and Plans — Bumble For Friends...

Connected Economy
Generative AI’s ‘New Electricity’ Sparks Innovation Across Payment Workflows
December 04, 2023

Anyone operating in the payments space already knows about artificial intelligence (AI). After all, the technology, along with its first cousin, machine learning (ML), together have been powering back-end systems and innovative products for years. “What is fundamentally changing, is that AI is redefining itself...

Connected Economy
CE 100 Index Gains 3.1% as Communications Stock Surge Is Led by Snap 
December 04, 2023

The CE 100 Index gained 3.1% coming off a Thanksgiving holiday-truncated week with vigor as all segments gained ground. The Communications pillar surged 8.7%.   Snap was 12.9% higher in the week, leading the pack on the communications-related names. As reported last week,  Snapchat is becoming the latest...

Connected Economy
iRobot’s 36% Leap Leads CE 100 Index Higher in Shortened Holiday Trading
November 27, 2023

The CE 100 Index gained 1.1% in a trading week shortened by the Thanksgiving holiday.  Only one pillar lost ground — the Work segment, which sank 1.5% through the week. Bankrupt WeWork plunged 27.8%. As reported, WeWork said it had commitments in place for up to $682.5...

Connected Economy
Smartphone Sales See First Year-Over-Year Gain in 27 Months
November 22, 2023

The smartphone industry has recorded its first month of year-over-year (YoY) growth in 27 months. Global monthly smartphone sell-through volumes grew by 5% YoY in October, global research firm Counterpoint Research said in a Wednesday (Nov. 22) press release. The last time the smartphone industry saw a...

Connected Economy
Porch Rally Leads CE 100 Index Higher Again as Q3 Earnings Season Winds Down
November 20, 2023

Headed into a holiday-shortened trading week, the CE 100 Index was 4.3% higher as investors snapped up shares and earnings season drew near its close to cap the look back at the September quarter. All pillars surged for the week, led by the 6.7% rally...

Connected Economy
Porch Soars, Peloton Sinks and CE 100 Index Barely Budges With 0.4% Gain
November 13, 2023

The CE 100 Index added 0.4% in a wild week where double-digit declines and gains were the norm — earnings season continued to dominate the headlines.  Porch Group soared 53.2%, leading the Live pillar 3.2% higher. In the company’s most recent earnings report, Porch noted that revenues...

Connected Economy
Millennials Check Online Reviews, Gen Zs Turn to Influencers for Restaurant Recommendations
November 13, 2023

In today’s digital age, consumers have access to a wealth of information that helps them make informed decisions, especially when choosing a restaurant. In this context, online reviews and social media platforms have become vital for diners to share their experiences and gather information.  In...