Like it or not, AI use is expanding, in business and life

AARP has raised concerns about the long-term financial viability of Social Security, warning that retirees could face a 23% reduction in monthly payments within the next decade if no action is taken. This alarm comes amid ongoing discussions about the sustainability of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund, which is projected to face significant funding challenges without congressional intervention.

NetApp reported record margins for Q2 FY26, achieving a 10% growth in earnings per share (EPS), driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services. This performance underscores the company's strategic focus on these high-demand sectors.

Amazon is facing a growing boycott from consumers as the holiday season approaches, reflecting rising discontent over pricing and service issues. This situation poses a significant threat to the company's holiday sales, which are crucial for its annual performance.

Dell's Q3 FY26 presentation revealed record revenue driven by strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI) products, despite ongoing market skepticism. The company has raised its annual guidance, reflecting confidence in its growth trajectory within the technology sector.

A 65-year-old rival to Home Depot has permanently closed its business, reflecting the ongoing struggles within the home improvement and hardware retail sector, which has seen a wave of closures this year. Industry experts predict that this trend will continue through 2025, driven by reduced growth and lower sales projections in the market.

The Federal Reserve is facing significant internal divisions as it approaches its December meeting, where a decision on a potential interest rate cut for the third time this year is expected. Policymakers are split on how to address a weakening labor market while managing rising inflation, leading to uncertainty about the central bank's direction.

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates soon, which could lead to a significant rally in the bond market, providing opportunities for investors to reposition their portfolios. This anticipated move is seen as a response to current economic conditions and aims to stimulate growth.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the September jobs report, revealing that the U.S. added 119,000 jobs, surpassing expectations, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. This report was delayed by 48 days due to a government shutdown lasting 43 days. The labor participation rate stands at 62.4%, indicating a slight increase in job engagement despite the rising unemployment figures.