The Exchange OpenAI’s PR Debacle, Flight Disruptions & Home Improvement Headwinds 11/7/25
Nov 7, 2025
OpenAI faces scrutiny as its executives backtrack on controversial comments about government support. The discussion highlights whether the company's business model is fundamentally unsustainable. Travelers are cautioned about flight disruptions tied to a government shutdown. In the home improvement sector, analysts debate which retailers are poised to thrive despite challenges. Insights into holiday retail forecasts provide a glimpse into consumer behavior and spending trends.
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Health Care Offers Defensive Earnings
- Julie Beal argues health care, especially small/mid-cap niche firms, offers earnings stability versus AI-driven tech froth.
- She prefers companies with diversified products and less regulatory pricing risk like West Pharmaceutical.
Hiring Weakness Is Sector-Specific
- Indeed's job posting index aligns with JOLTS and shows a low-hire, low-fire environment with postings only 1.7% above pre-pandemic.
- Software, data and media postings are down 30–40% while healthcare and engineering remain strong.
AI Cuts Hiring, Not Mass Firing — Yet
- Steve Leisman says AI is currently reducing hiring intent more than causing mass layoffs, as firms 'hold the line' on new hires.
- Expect less hiring near term while companies budget for AI deployment.