<p>New data show retail sales were flat in December, despite high expectations for the holiday season. So did shoppers spend less? Or did they just frontload that gift spending in November? Also in this episode: AI tools propel widespread online shopping scams, a Colorado utility company shuts off power to prevent wildfires, and what’s next for crypto after last week’s freefall.</p><br/><p><em>Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? </em><em><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters">Subscribe</a></em><em> to our daily or weekly newsletter.</em></p><br/><p><em>Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at </em><em><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/">marketplace.org</a></em><em> — and consider </em><em><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment">making an investment</a></em><em> in our future.</em></p>