Morning Business Report: Cyber Monday Set to Break Records as AI Fuels Global Sales Surge Salesforce forecasts a record-breaking Cyber Week starting with today’s Cyber Monday. The company anticipates global online sales reaching $334 billion, a 6% increase from last year, with U. S. sales projected at $78 billion, up 3%. A major factor this year is the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. Salesforce reports AI will influence over one in five online purchases, contributing approximately $73 billion to global sales. Additionally, deep discounts and the growing use of “buy now, pay later” apps are driving increased consumer spending. Meanwhile, defense technology firms and AI startups are capitalizing on new prospects amid President Trump’s intensifying drug war, especially operations targeting Venezuela.

Drone and imaging technology companies support the U. S. Coast Guard and Navy in Caribbean interdictions, while AI developers from Silicon Valley to Dubai offer analytics platforms to map fentanyl trafficking networks. Stocks gained on Friday’s shortened trading session, closing near record highs and capping a five-day rally that recovered most losses from earlier this month. Markets remain volatile amid concerns over AI investment and ahead of the Federal Reserve’s December meeting. Looking forward, various job sectors are poised for significant growth in the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects wind turbine technicians as the fastest-growing occupation with a 50% increase, along with strong demand anticipated in solar energy, nursing, and data science roles. At the box office, Disney’s “Zootopia 2” earned an estimated $156 million domestically over Thanksgiving weekend, while Universal’s “Wicked: For Good” grossed $93 million. Total Thanksgiving box office revenue is expected to near $300 million, ranking it among the top five holiday performances.