Home Depot has introduced Material List Builder AI, a tool designed to help professional renovators, remodelers and builders create project material lists within minutes. The tool uses AI to interpret project intent and generate accurate lists of needed materials, streamlining a process that typically involves hours of searching and manual entry. The tool is available for free to Pro Xtra members through Home Depot's Project Planning tool.

Cameron Ashley Building Products has opened a distribution center in Greensboro, N.C., stocking insulation and related products. The facility, the company's third in the state, aims to enhance inventory management, delivery speed and customer service.

Amazon has announced it will close all Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh stores to focus on online same-day delivery and new big-box retail stores. Some of the shuttered stores will become Whole Foods Market locations. Amazon plans to open more than 100 Whole Foods stores in the coming years.

Winter Storm Fern has disrupted logistics across the US, affecting 40 states with heavy snow, ice and extreme cold. The American Logistics Aid Network reports significant disruptions, including flight and rail cancellations, power outages and suspended trucking operations. Spot rates for dry van and refrigerated freight are expected to rise, similar to trends seen after previous major winter storms.

Digital supply chains have become increasingly complex, integrating ERP, IoT, blockchain and AI, which expands the attack surface for cyber threats. Mapping digital ecosystems is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring cybersecurity. Executives should understand data flows, manage third- and fourth-party risks, and address blind spots in legacy systems and shadow IT, writes Jim Frazer.

B2B marketing is becoming smarter and more authentic, with subtle celebrity endorsements and a focus on employee empowerment, writes Alison Michael of Sköna. Brands also are investing in immersive experiences at events, with companies like LinkedIn and Canva leading the way. "According to Forrester, volatility is the only thing we can be certain the year ahead will hold. The smartest B2B brands will respond not by retreating into safety, but by offering levity, confidence, and moments of genuine connection," Michael writes.

The Federal Reserve has kept the federal funds rate at 3.5% to 3.75%, taking a cautious approach amid continued inflation and a slowing labor market. The decision was made with dissenting votes from two governors who favored a rate cut. The Fed's stance follows repeated political pressure. The central bank's next move will depend on developments in the job market and inflation.

A Brookings Institution analysis of the varying capacity of US workers to adapt to AI-driven job displacement shows that 70% of highly AI-exposed workers are well-equipped to manage job transitions. Meanwhile, 6.1 million workers, mostly women in clerical roles, lack this adaptive capacity due to factors such as limited savings and advanced age. The report suggests that policymakers focus on supporting these vulnerable workers.

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