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1. US retail sales unexpectedly flat for December
Consumer spending in the United States held flat in December, according to a report from the Commerce Department that was delayed due to the partial government shutdown. Data firm FactSet originally reported that economists polled expected a 0.4% increase, per CNN. In November, retail sales increased 0.6%.
"A measure of retail sales that strips out volatile categories and gives a better indication of underlying demand — widely known as the control group — fell 0.1% in December, according to FactSet, well below the 0.4% advance economists had predicted," CNN reports.
2. JLL report forecasts uptick in hotel investment in 2026
In its Global Hotel Investment Outlook released Tuesday, JLL reports it expects a notable increase in global hotel investment activity in 2026, pointing to growth in travel demand, slower supply creating value for existing hotels and improved capital market conditions.
In 2025, the hotel asset class made up 8% of global commercial real estate investment, which exceeded the long-term average.
"We're witnessing a fundamental shift in investor sentiment toward hotels, driven by compelling relative value and the sector's proven resilience," said Kevin Davis, CEO, Americas, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group. "The 2026 FIFA Soccer World Cup represents a unique catalyst for performance in host cities, while constrained supply dynamics create lasting value for existing assets."
3. Marriott posts global growth in latest earnings
In its full-year and fourth-quarter earnings call, Marriott reported gains for the company, including a 2% increase for worldwide revenue per available room in 2025, CoStar News' Bryan Wroten reports.
Anthony Capuano, president and CEO, said Marriott's net rooms grew over 4.3% last year, with conversions contributing to about one-third of organic rooms growth.
“Our portfolio is well-positioned to benefit from continued expected strength at the upper end as higher-end consumers remain resilient and continue to prioritize spending on experience and travel over goods,” he said on the call.
4. Trump threatens to block opening of US-Canada bridge
In his latest expression of contempt for Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of a new bridge connecting the two nations, the BBC reports. Trump made his threat on social media to halt the opening until the U.S. is "fully compensated for everything" it's provided Canada.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which would connect Ontario to Michigan, was fully funded by Canada and would be publicly owned by Canada and Michigan, per the project's website.
Construction of the bridge began in 2018 and is expected to open early this year following formal tests.
5. Top 2026 hotels named in new ranking
In its 16th annual ranking, U.S. News & World Report named the best hotels for 2026, shining a spotlight on over 31,000 hotels across more than 400 destinations.
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawaii's Big Island again took the top spot for best hotels in the U.S., followed by Four Seasons Resort Lanai and The Langham Chicago.
"The hotels highlighted in U.S. News' 2026 Best Hotels rankings set the standard for top-tier customer service, stellar amenities and truly memorable guest experiences," said Zach Watson, senior data editor, travel at U.S. News.