latest news in economy
US Wholesale Prices Stagnate in July as Energy Costs Drop
Washington, Thursday, 13 August 2026.
Unchanged wholesale prices in July signal easing supply chain inflation. Falling energy costs countered service gains, lowering annual inflation to 4.7% and reducing immediate Federal Reserve rate-hike pressures.
Silver Reaches New Highs as Global Supply Shortages Drive Market Demand
New York, Thursday, 13 August 2026.
On August 12, 2026, silver prices broke past $66 per ounce, driven by encouraging U.S. inflation data that raised expectations for impending interest rate cuts. Beyond short-term economic factors, the metal is supported by a significant physical imbalance. The silver market is currently in its sixth consecutive year of structural supply deficits, with more than 21,600 metric tons (762 million ounces) drawn from global stockpiles since 2021. Expanding industrial reliance on silver for green technologies—such as solar panels, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence infrastructure—continues to outpace mine production, which has remained largely flat due to long development lead times. This ongoing gap between high industrial consumption and limited supply underscores silver’s growing importance in both global manufacturing and modern investment strategies.
Cisco Sees Historic Demand as Companies Spend Billions Building Artificial Intelligence Networks
New York, Thursday, 13 August 2026.
Driven by $9.3 billion in artificial intelligence orders, Cisco reported record quarterly revenue. Despite demand reaching multi-decade highs, cautious margin outlooks caused an after-hours stock pull-back.
Healthcare AI Adoption Surges While Critical Safety Controls Fall Behind
New York, Thursday, 13 August 2026.
While 78% of healthcare organizations operate artificial intelligence in production, a critical Black Book study reveals only 19% maintain complete lifecycle controls, leaving systems exposed to severe operational and compliance risks.
Wall Street to Trade Artificial Intelligence Processing Power Like Crude Oil
New York, Thursday, 13 August 2026.
On October 5, 2026, CME Group will launch futures contracts for Nvidia chips, transforming artificial intelligence processing power into a standardized financial commodity traded like crude oil.
Historic Texas Furniture Store Closes After 103 Years Due to Owner's Retirement
Garland, Thursday, 13 August 2026.
Baker’s Main Street Furniture in Garland is shutting down after 103 years. Owner David Baker’s retirement—not industry headwind—prompted the third-generation family business to liquidate its inventory and building.
Federal Reserve Official Warns Interest Rate Hikes May Return to Fight Inflation
Anchorage, Thursday, 13 August 2026.
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook warned that interest rate hikes could resume if inflation remains stubbornly high, prioritizing price stability as five years of target overshoots threaten economic expectations.
