Unchained Bits + Bips: How AI and Energy Prices Will Force the Fed’s Hand
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Jan 15, 2026 
Daniel Ives, Managing Director at Wedbush, shares his insights on the intersection of AI and macroeconomics. The discussion dives into whether AI will spark inflation or deflation and identifies energy constraints as a critical factor for tech growth. Ives emphasizes that rising productivity could challenge the Fed's policy-making and explores the fragility of trust in fiat currencies, leading to increased interest in Bitcoin. The panel also touches on the energy landscape, AI's impact on industries, and the evolving dynamics of stablecoins and community banks.
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AI’s Dual Inflationary And Disinflationary Forces
- AI is both a deflationary productivity force and a source of localized inflation via hardware and energy demand.
- The net macro outcome depends on how fast productivity gains scale relative to energy and component bottlenecks.
Energy Could Be The Binding Constraint
- Energy — especially electricity capacity — may become the binding constraint on AI-driven growth.
- Panelists argue nuclear and natural gas are necessary medium-term solutions while buildout timelines remain a limiting factor.
Accelerate Nuclear Via Regulatory Reform
- Prioritize regulatory reform to accelerate modular nuclear deployment for reliable baseload power.
- Expect near-term energy gaps; plan for transitional fuels like natural gas while nuclear capacity scales.