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AI Data-Center Spending Tops $700B, Sparks Price Hikes

7/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

AI-driven data-center spending will exceed $700 billion year, pushing up prices for memory chips, computers and electricity.
The Federal Reserve (Fed) is watching inflation as AI costs lift prices, with New York Fed President John Williams saying a rate hike is needed.
Microsoft announced a $100 Xbox price increase by Aug 1 and reported price hikes for Sony, Dell and HP, as utilities add capacity for AI data-centers, driving electricity costs through 2028.

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Story summary

AI-driven data-center spending will exceed $700 billion year, pushing up prices for memory chips, computers and electricity.
The Federal Reserve (Fed) is watching inflation as AI costs lift prices, with New York Fed President John Williams saying a rate hike is needed.
Microsoft announced a $100 Xbox price increase by Aug 1 and reported price hikes for Sony, Dell and HP, as utilities add capacity for AI data-centers, driving electricity costs through 2028.