KHD Buzz – Retail Sales Rose Again In April, Concerns Over BNPL Offerings and More

US Retail Sales Up Again in April

In April, non-inflation adjusted retail sales in the United States increased 0.9 percent month over month as Americans spent more on eating out and shopping for cars, apparel, electronics, and housewares. Read More

Harvard Researcher Concerned About Buy Now Pay Later Programs Effects on Consumers

Because of an increasing number of overextended consumers and a lack of government oversight, Marshall Lux, a fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, is concerned that buy now, pay later programs are encouraging consumers, particularly younger ones, to take risks that will backfire. Read More

All-Time High Diesel Prices Affecting Global Supply Chains

An extended surge in diesel prices is challenging Wall Street bets that inflation is easing. A global shortfall of the fuel is not only leading to record prices across the world but also to additional supply chain delays. Read More

Mastercard Plans to Launch Biometric Payment System

At the checkout counter, Mastercard is testing new technology that allows customers to pay with just their face or hand.

They launched a program last week that allows businesses to accept biometric payment methods such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Instead of swiping their card, consumers will be able to validate their payment by showing their face or the palm of their hand at checkout.

The program is now operational in five St Marche supermarkets in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Mastercard claims it will launch it globally later this year. Read More