First Pass

213 stories from 17 sources

The week in U.S. Business and Markets

AI spending dominated markets as economic cracks widened

August 2026

Week’s Recap

Click on a headline to see stories that shaped it.

Threads

Stories that evolved over the week.

8 threads

Defined the week

Nvidia drives an AI-centered rally

Nvidia raised its revenue outlook as AI infrastructure demand stayed strong, then drove a concentrated market rally. Its vendor-financing arrangements accelerated ecosystem growth but also made the durability of underlying demand harder to assess.

12 stories, Aug 24 to 27
Defined the week

Canada tariffs threaten North American autos

U.S. tariffs escalated from threats to announced 50% duties on Canadian vehicles, parts, and steel. Canada threatened retaliation, while the dispute put integrated auto and packaging supply chains, jobs, costs, and investment at risk.

6 stories, Aug 24 to 26
Defined the week

Salesforce turns AI into software growth

Salesforce raised its outlook as demand for AI agents grew, then beat expectations and expanded its Anthropic partnership. Rapid Agentforce recurring revenue gave investors a clearer case that AI can expand rather than displace the software franchise.

5 stories, Aug 26 to 28
Major

Footwear weakness rattles sporting goods

Dick's missed expectations, cut its outlook, and suffered a historic selloff as sneaker discounting and weak Foot Locker sales raised doubts about its acquisition. Coverage of Foot Locker's deteriorating retail position reinforced concerns that the problem reflects broader demand and margin pressure.

10 stories, Aug 24 to 27
Major

Walter insurers face expanding scrutiny

Investigators widened scrutiny of how Walter-linked insurers classified more than $20 billion in affiliated loans, while banks paused some product sales. Related affiliates denied fraud, promised to restructure collateral loans, and bought debt tied to the asset-management arm.

7 stories, Aug 24 to 28
Major

SpaceX expands its valuation story

SpaceX moved from post-IPO share interest and valuation attention to a proposed $100 billion Louisiana spaceport. The plan's scale and unusual options activity kept questions about expansion, financing, and execution in focus.

5 stories, Aug 24 to 27
Major

Hiring slowdown deepens

Revised employment data showed a materially weaker jobs baseline through March, and fewer help-wanted ads pointed to further cooling. The shift could give the Federal Reserve more room to ease while threatening household income, spending, and worker leverage.

3 stories, Aug 28 to 29
Major

Meta absorbs escalating child-safety costs

Meta faced successive child-safety settlements, culminating in an agreement to pay up to $18 billion to U.S. states. The deals reduce immediate litigation risk but add usage limits, safety requirements, and continued exposure to related claims.

8 stories, Aug 26 to 27

Day’s Recap

Dive deeper into the days that shaped this week