Something a tad nontraditional on the wishlist of more children this year? Skin care products. This $180 billion industry has caught the attention of young people born 2010 onward (even if they already have a naturally youthful look). Now, dermatologists are warning families that some of these products can cause long-term damage if used too young. But first, a droopy stock index is getting attention this morning.

Even though inflation has come down from its pandemic highs, some of it is still sticking. Yet average pay has been keeping up with — and even outpacing — rising prices. Turns out, low- and middle-income workers have been making up some ground. We dig in. Plus: a closer look at AI’s growing role in processing health insurance claims and talks of a potentially tectonic shift in the global auto industry.

From the BBC World Service: A potential merger of two of Japan’s largest carmakers could be in the cards; Nissan and Honda have said they’re “exploring various possibilities for future collaboration.” Also on the show: The global skincare market is worth billions of dollars, but it’s not just adults who are spending big — kids are also making more purchases than ever, and dermatologists are warning unsuitable products could damage their skin.

President-elect Donald Trump confirmed at a news conference on Monday that he is “looking at” the idea of privatizing the U.S. Postal Service. That comes as the USPS ended its last fiscal year with a net loss of $9.5 billion. On this morning’s program, we’ll unpack the finances of the postal service. Also: the fine print of November retail sales and the resurgence of the supper club.

Most people like their health insurance. That may come as a surprise after jokes and vitriol over the American health care system flooded social media in the wake of the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing. But those who don’t like their insurance are often the ones forced to use it most. We’ll dig into what the research says. Plus, the Senate is expected to take up the Social Security Fairness Act this week.

From the BBC World Service: The rebels running Syria are assuring the country’s business community that they will embrace a free market economy and push to reconnect with global markets. A judge in Brazil has ordered Adele’s record labels to stop distributing the song “Million Years Ago” because of similarities to a Brazilian song by Martinho da Vila. And, we hear how Valencia, Spain is starting to rebuild after October’s disastrous floods.

A fresh poll of academic economists finds more think interest rates will stay higher for longer, given the resilient job market and some of the policies promised by president-elect Donald Trump. Economist Julia Coronado’s team at Macropolicy Perspectives has also been asking experts similar questions. We’re joined by Coronado to discuss what she’s been hearing. We also hear about the challenges of decarbonizing Sweden’s economy.

New data from the real estate firm CBRE shows that the average monthly mortgage payment for those buying a home today is about 75% higher than in 2019. Nationally, new monthly mortgage payments are now about 35% more than renting. We’ll hear more. But first: A clash is shaping up over whether California can set strict vehicle emissions and efficiency standards. Plus, who’s ahead in the AI arms race — Microsoft? Google? Meta?