Good morning. It's Thursday, August 13, 2026. Today's top stories include significant developments in the business world, with companies like Novartis and Kazatomprom reporting increased sales and production.
Additionally, the White House has announced that press secretary Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her position at the end of the month to become an outside advisor.
The Top Stories
The White House has announced that press secretary Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her position at the end of the month to become an outside advisor. This change is expected to occur after her departure from the White House.
Why it matters: This development may lead to changes in how the White House communicates with the press and the public. A Powerball ticket sold in Illinois has won the $1.04 billion jackpot, making it the eighth-largest in US history.
The winner has not yet come forward to claim the prize. Why it matters: This significant win may inspire more people to participate in the lottery, potentially leading to increased revenue for the state and the lottery commission.
Novartis has raised its sales and profit guidance for the year, citing strong performance as the reason for the increase. The company's updated guidance reflects its confidence in its ability to meet its financial goals.
Why it matters: This update may lead to increased investor confidence in Novartis, potentially resulting in a rise in its stock price.
Washington & the Nation
The number of jobless claims remained low in the latest week, indicating a stable labor market. This trend suggests that the US economy is continuing to grow, with a low unemployment rate.
The White House has also announced that Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her position as press secretary to become an outside advisor. This change may lead to adjustments in how the White House communicates with the press and the public.
Around the World
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced an update to Russia's nuclear doctrine, which has led to a decline in US stock futures and bond yields. This change may have significant implications for global politics and the economy.
Additionally, Burberry shares have risen after a report suggested Moncler may bid for the company, sparking interest in Burberry's stock.
Your Money
The market has experienced a mixed day, with some stocks falling and others rising. The Dow has decreased, while the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 have increased. Gold has also risen, and oil has fallen.
The 10-year Treasury is near 4.68%. This movement in the market may be due to various factors, including changes in investor confidence and economic indicators. Mortgage rates have also declined following a slight cooling in inflation, making it more affordable for people to borrow money.
Health & You
According to the National Institute on Aging, regular exercise can help older adults maintain their physical and mental health. Engaging in activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga can improve balance, strength, and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and other age-related health issues.
It is essential for adults 50+ to prioritize their health and well-being by incorporating physical activity into their daily routine.
One Good Thing
Amazon has reported record sales over the Thanksgiving holiday week, with a high number of items sold. This success may be attributed to the company's efforts to improve its customer experience and provide competitive pricing.
Additionally, Bed Bath & Beyond is set to buy the rights to the Buy Buy Baby brand, reuniting it with its former parent company. These developments may lead to increased consumer confidence and a more stable retail market.
On This Day
In 1961, East Germany began building the Berlin Wall, sealing off West Berlin and dividing the city for nearly three decades. In 2004, The Summer Olympic Games returned to Athens, the city of the first modern Games, for a celebrated homecoming.
In 1899, Alfred Hitchcock, British film director. In 1910, Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
In conclusion, today's briefing has covered various significant developments in the business world, including updates from major companies and changes in the market. It is essential for adults 50+ to stay informed about these trends and updates to make informed decisions about their finances and well-being.
We will continue to provide you with the latest news and updates in our future briefings.
Sources
- US Stock Market, 2026
- National Institute on Aging, 2026
- Bloomberg, 2026
- Reuters, 2026
- The New York Times, 2026
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom