The torrent of corporate spending on artificial intelligence in the U.S. is driving up consumer prices, working against efforts to cool inflation. AI requires enormous computing power, driving demand for the semiconductors that enable it. Rising chip costs are also prompting electronics manufacturers to raise prices on smartphones, computers, software and other tech accessories. Consumers are…
What a difference a day can make for monetary policy. On Thursday, interest rate futures were decidedly tilted toward the Federal Reserve hiking its benchmark rate in September, according to CME FedWatch, which tracks traders to forecast the central bank’s policy decisions. But after Friday morning’s dismal July jobs report, which showed that employers unexpectedly…
As back-to-school season approaches, families will face higher prices for supplies and other costs for the upcoming academic year, a new analysis found. The cost of a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes and index cards, is up nearly 8% this year compared to 2025, according to research from The Century Foundation, a…
