Global ad spending increased 3.2% to $557
billion last year, propelled by a robust third quarter, which included the
Olympics. The quarter’s 4.3% bump outpaced the 2.5% increase in the final three
months, which included the holiday season. Spending in North America was up 4.6%, topping the 2.8% growth for the
Asia-Pacific region. The Middle East and Africa saw the highest percentage
growth -- 14.6% -- among the six regions. All were up, except for a 4.2%
decline in Europe, where the Olympics were held, per Nielsen.
