The most crippling aspect of the ongoing tariff saga is the uncertainty it creates. The inability for businesses, especially small ones, to conduct long-term planning due to unpredictable policy shifts is more economically damaging than the direct financial cost of the duties.
When a president targets a specific corporate board member, it shifts markets from predictable, rules-based competition to a personality-driven system. Investors can price regulatory changes, but they struggle to price discretionary political targeting, which undermines market stability.
The market fears that AI will instantly replace enterprise SaaS platforms are overblown. Companies like Salesforce and Adobe are deeply embedded in corporate workflows with massive switching costs. They are now trading at low multiples despite strong growth, presenting a significant investment opportunity.
The nature of cartel violence in Mexico has shifted from traditional drug wars to battles for local economic power. Cartels are deeply integrated into the economy and government, competing for diversified revenue streams like fuel theft, extortion, and control over local supply chains.
Scott Galloway's "Resistant Unsubscribe" campaign successfully sent a "signal" to the public but has not yet reconfigured the "incentives" for big tech executives. Lasting impact requires moving beyond raising awareness to creating concrete, board-level pressure that alters corporate behavior.
The grassroots movement to boycott big tech gained media exposure equivalent to a $5-9 million advertising campaign without any paid spend. This was primarily driven by the hosts' established podcast and social media platforms, demonstrating the power of these channels for non-profit campaigns.
While the U.S. has a monetary trade deficit, it receives a surplus of physical goods and services due to the dollar's strength. This concept, like getting a great haircut for a low price, illustrates a fundamental benefit of global trade that protectionist policies often overlook.
If rival Paramount overpays for Warner Brothers, Netflix avoids a costly acquisition. This would free up its $80B+ war chest for content creation while allowing it to bog down its competitor in a messy integration and protracted legal challenges, ultimately strengthening its market position.
Even if AI dramatically lowers coding costs, it won't destroy established SaaS businesses. Technical expenses only account for 10-20% of revenue for major SaaS players. The other 80% is spent on marketing, events, and client service, creating an opportunity for significant margin expansion.
