October 8, 2025

analysis  
OpenAI COO: AI Investment is 'New Normal', $253.4B Sales

This holiday season, U.S. online sales are projected to reach $253.4 billion, marking a 5.3% increase from last year, with mobile devices expected to drive over half of all spending. A significant surge of 520% is anticipated in AI-assisted shopping, as consumers increasingly use AI for product research, recommendations, and finding deals, particularly in categories like toys, electronics, and jewelry. Cyber Week is forecast to be a major sales driver, with Cyber Monday alone expected to generate $14.2 billion. Meanwhile, the substantial investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure are being described by OpenAI's COO as the 'new normal' due to high user demand, rather than a bubble, though concerns about a potential trillion-dollar AI investment bubble persist. In the tech sector, Applied Materials is releasing new chipmaking gear to enhance AI performance, while ASML's CFO, Roger Dassen, criticizes EU AI regulations for potentially driving talent to Silicon Valley. Consumer sentiment also highlights a desire for transparency in AI use, especially in critical services like 911 calls, with many people expressing distrust towards companies that conceal AI applications. In marketing, brands are showing less interest in AI influencers, with partnerships declining, though investment in AI-generated creator content is increasing.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. online holiday sales are predicted to reach $253.4 billion, a 5.3% increase year-over-year.
  • AI-assisted online shopping is expected to surge by 520% this holiday season.
  • Mobile devices will account for over half of all online sales, with 56.1% predicted for this holiday season.
  • Cyber Week is projected to generate $43.7 billion in sales, with Cyber Monday anticipated to be the biggest shopping day at $14.2 billion.
  • OpenAI views the current high level of AI investment as the 'new normal' driven by user demand, countering concerns of an investment bubble.
  • Applied Materials is introducing new chipmaking equipment designed to improve AI performance.
  • ASML CFO Roger Dassen suggests EU AI regulations may be pushing tech talent away from Europe.
  • A significant portion of Americans desire transparency in AI usage, particularly in sensitive areas like 911 calls.
  • Brand partnerships with AI influencers have decreased by approximately 30%, though investment in AI-generated creator content is rising.
  • VirPoint.com has launched an AI-enhanced trading suite for the European market.

AI shopping to surge 520% this US holiday season

Online shopping in the U.S. is expected to reach $253.4 billion this holiday season, with a 5.3% increase from last year. A significant trend is the 520% growth in AI-assisted shopping, particularly in the 10 days before Thanksgiving. Consumers use AI for research, product recommendations, and finding deals, especially for toys, electronics, and jewelry. Mobile devices will drive over half of all online sales, and buy now pay later services will see a 11% increase in spending. Social media advertising is also becoming more effective, contributing to online revenue growth.

Adobe predicts strong online sales driven by AI and mobile

Adobe forecasts U.S. online sales to hit $253.4 billion this holiday season, a 5.3% increase from last year. Mobile devices are expected to account for a record 56.1% of online spending. Consumers are increasingly using AI for shopping research, with AI traffic to retail sites predicted to rise by 520%. Cyber Week, including Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, is expected to generate $43.7 billion in sales. Shoppers can expect discounts of up to 28%, with the deepest deals available during Cyber Week.

AI tools to boost holiday shopping, Adobe reports

Adobe Analytics predicts online holiday spending will reach $253.4 billion, a 5.3% increase year-over-year. Cyber Monday is expected to be the biggest shopping day with $14.2 billion in sales. Mobile devices will continue to dominate, accounting for 56.1% of online spending. AI is expected to significantly assist shoppers with research, recommendations, and deal hunting, with AI traffic projected to grow by 520%. Categories like electronics, apparel, and furniture will lead spending, while wellness devices like activity trackers and smartwatches are also expected to see strong sales growth.

Americans want transparency in AI use, especially with 911

A new study reveals that Americans desire more transparency regarding the use of artificial intelligence, particularly when it is involved in 911 calls. While AI is improving 911 operations by helping manage call volume and triage, 16% of surveyed individuals believe AI answers calls without disclosure. The study found that 81% of people suspect AI is being used secretly, and many worry about its influence in sensitive areas like banking and healthcare. Consumers stated they would lose confidence in companies that hide AI usage and are more likely to trust those that are open about it.

Americans want transparency in AI use, especially with 911

A recent study indicates that Americans want more openness about artificial intelligence usage, especially in critical services like 911 calls. The survey found that 16% of respondents believe AI is answering 911 calls without people knowing. While the National Telecommunications and Information Administration notes AI improves 911 operations by automating initial detection and streamlining calls, the study highlights a widespread suspicion that AI is being used secretly. Many consumers worry about AI's role in sensitive interactions and prefer companies that are transparent about its use.

OpenAI exec calls AI investment a 'new normal'

Fidji Simo, Chief Operating Officer of OpenAI's applications, stated that the significant investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure are not a bubble but the 'new normal' due to high user demand. She noted the unprecedented pace of investment in AI hardware and computing power. Simo emphasized that OpenAI's focus is on developing AI that is safe and beneficial for humanity. She believes the market is responding to the demand for AI and that innovation in this area is crucial for the future.

VirPoint.com expands AI trading tools for European market

VirPoint.com, a UK-based CFD broker founded in 2020, has launched an AI-enhanced trading suite to expand its services across Europe. The platform combines artificial intelligence with human expert guidance to offer a secure and data-driven trading experience for both day traders and long-term investors. VirPoint provides access to various instruments like forex, indices, and commodities through its advanced multi-asset trading technology. The company aims to be a trusted partner by offering transparent, responsible growth and fair access to financial tools.

Applied Materials releases new chipmaking gear for AI

Applied Materials has introduced new equipment designed to improve the performance of artificial intelligence. The company specializes in creating and marketing equipment used in the manufacturing of integrated circuits and semiconductor components. Their systems are utilized in key microchip production stages, including deposition and photomasking. Applied Materials serves various sectors, with the semiconductor industry being its largest market, followed by the flat screen and other electronic industries.

ASML exec criticizes EU AI regulations

Roger Dassen, CFO of Dutch chipmaker ASML, believes the European Union's AI regulations are pushing tech talent and companies towards Silicon Valley. He stated that Europe's focus on regulation hinders AI development, causing talented individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere. ASML, Europe's largest tech company by market value, has advocated for a pause on certain parts of the EU's AI Act. Dassen also highlighted concerns about the lack of protection for major European companies amidst global power struggles and urged for a stronger capital markets union to support startups.

Brands cool on AI influencers, but tech may revive interest

Brand partnerships with AI influencers have decreased by about 30% in the first eight months of 2025 compared to the previous year, according to data from the influencer marketing platform Collabstr. This decline is partly due to consumer backlash and AI accounts underperforming compared to human influencers. Brands are concerned about negative reactions, with some like Dove avoiding AI models altogether. While interest in fully AI-generated influencers is waning, marketers remain interested in using AI to enhance content, with 79% increasing investment in AI-generated creator content.

Zwift CEO discusses AI in online cycling

Eric Min, co-founder and CEO of Zwift, discusses the use of artificial intelligence in the online cycling and running training program. Zwift is a platform that allows users to interact, train, and compete in a virtual world. The conversation focuses on how AI is being integrated to enhance the user experience and training capabilities within the program.

Fears grow over trillion-dollar AI investment bubble

Investors have significantly increased their spending to support the development and promise of artificial intelligence. However, there is growing uncertainty about how these substantial investments will ultimately yield returns. This situation has led to increasing concerns about the possibility of a trillion-dollar AI investment bubble forming.

OpenAI exec calls AI investment a 'new normal'

Fidji Simo, Chief Operating Officer of OpenAI's applications, believes the current surge in AI investment is the 'new normal' rather than a bubble, driven by immense user demand. She highlighted the unprecedented investment in AI infrastructure and hardware. Simo emphasized that OpenAI is focused on developing AI that is safe and beneficial for humanity. She sees the market adapting to meet this demand and views the investment as crucial for future innovation.

Sources

AI shopping online sales holiday season AI-assisted shopping product recommendations mobile shopping AI transparency 911 calls AI investment AI infrastructure AI trading tools chipmaking AI regulations AI influencers AI content AI in cycling AI investment bubble OpenAI