Inflation stories
Inflation is pushing US holiday buyers to use AI and cashback tools, with nearly all shoppers planning at least one budget-stretching tactic.
Stablecoin-led demand is helping some markets hold up, even as retail speculation has driven a near 40% drop in crypto app usage worldwide.
Businesses need not necessarily rush to replace working PCs for AI, as Dell says those with accelerators can still handle workloads.
Supply chain leaders are under pressure as Blue Yonder's survey finds sustainability slipping down priorities despite mounting climate and inflation risks.
Higher energy costs and currency volatility have not deterred investors, with regional dealmaking still surging to a six-month record of USD $92.5 billion.
Holiday season spending is shifting earlier, with 71% of shoppers planning to start before Black Friday and value-driven buying under pressure.
Many UK advisory firms are leaving their own reserve cash in low-yield accounts, with most earning 2% or less over the past year.
The slight lift to 4.5% in July was mostly rounding, with labour demand still holding up enough to avoid signalling a broad slowdown.
Higher costs and weaker consumer spending have pushed Australia's hospitality sector into its worst strain in years, with arrears at record highs.
Persistent inflation and weak household finances leave the Reserve Bank of Australia facing another possible rate rise before year-end.
Higher phone prices have not curbed demand, with premium devices accounting for 56% of Australian smartphone sales in the first half of 2026.
Viral lookalikes are spreading fast across toy and game marketplaces, with cheaper copies now posing safety and reputational risks for brands.
Softer core inflation has given households and businesses a reprieve, but the RBA says housing and wage pressures still threaten progress.
Higher borrowing costs for households and businesses may be back by November as inflation risks remain tilted to the upside, CreditorWatch says.
Shoppers could face higher prices, fewer choices and longer waits as Australian companies pass on rising supply chain costs.
More than two in five Irish professionals now fear AI could affect their jobs, even as most remain confident their skills will still count in three years.
Earlier markdowns could curb food waste and protect margins as grocers are warned of unsold stock up to a week before expiry.
AI worries are prompting more Irish workers to upskill as 41% fear their roles could be affected, a survey found.
More than half of young adults are shifting cash between accounts to dodge failed transactions, a survey found.
Rising regulatory pressure could force banks, merchants and payment firms to tighten controls on AI and card costs as Australia reforms payments.
