Inflation Stories

Global Stories

Inflation stories

Holiday shoppers turn to AI & cashback as inflation bites

Inflation is pushing US holiday buyers to use AI and cashback tools, with nearly all shoppers planning at least one budget-stretching tactic.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Last week

Crypto

Global crypto app usage falls 40% as stablecoins hold

Stablecoin-led demand is helping some markets hold up, even as retail speculation has driven a near 40% drop in crypto app usage worldwide.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • Last week

Supply Chain

Smart stuff in Dell's simplified approach to the venerable PC

Businesses need not necessarily rush to replace working PCs for AI, as Dell says those with accelerators can still handle workloads.

By Donovan Jackson • 5 min read • This month

Supply Chain

Blue Yonder unveils AI tools & sustainability findings

Supply chain leaders are under pressure as Blue Yonder's survey finds sustainability slipping down priorities despite mounting climate and inflation risks.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • This month

Data centers

Asia Pacific real estate investment hits record USD $92.5bn

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.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 5 min read • This month

Customer Experience

Holiday shopping starts before Black Friday, Attentive says

Holiday season spending is shifting earlier, with 71% of shoppers planning to start before Black Friday and value-driven buying under pressure.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • This month

Stories from Other Regions

Inflation stories

Risk & Compliance

UK credit card payment rates fall as balances rise

Rising debt burdens and weaker repayment rates are increasing pressure on households, with average active balances hitting a record GBP £1,975.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • 2 days ago

Risk & Compliance

UK advisers leave cash reserves earning weak returns

Many UK advisory firms are leaving their own reserve cash in low-yield accounts, with most earning 2% or less over the past year.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 5 min read • Last week

Artificial Intelligence

Australia jobless rise does not signal labour weakening

The slight lift to 4.5% in July was mostly rounding, with labour demand still holding up enough to avoid signalling a broad slowdown.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week

Small Business

One in eight Australian cafés shut as pressures mount

Higher costs and weaker consumer spending have pushed Australia's hospitality sector into its worst strain in years, with arrears at record highs.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last week

Westpac

Australia rates rise likely this year, economist says

Persistent inflation and weak household finances leave the Reserve Bank of Australia facing another possible rate rise before year-end.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last week

Wearables

Australians buy more premium smartphones, Telsyte says

Higher phone prices have not curbed demand, with premium devices accounting for 56% of Australian smartphone sales in the first half of 2026.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Last week

Risk & Compliance

Dupe culture is creating a new challenge for toy and gaming brands

Viral lookalikes are spreading fast across toy and game marketplaces, with cheaper copies now posing safety and reputational risks for brands.

By Emily Li • 6 min read • This month

Digital Transformation

RBA holds rates as softer inflation eases pressure

Softer core inflation has given households and businesses a reprieve, but the RBA says housing and wage pressures still threaten progress.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • This month

Artificial Intelligence

CreditorWatch sees RBA raising rates again by November

Higher borrowing costs for households and businesses may be back by November as inflation risks remain tilted to the upside, CreditorWatch says.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • This month

Agricultural Technology

Australian firms plan price rises amid supply strain

Shoppers could face higher prices, fewer choices and longer waits as Australian companies pass on rising supply chain costs.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • This month

Human Capital Management

Irish workers boost AI skills amid job security fears

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.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • This month