Squawk on the Street The "Force" Is With the AI Trade, U.S.-China Rare Earth Dispute, ChatGPT Erotica Backlash 10/16/25
Oct 16, 2025
Excitement surges around the AI trade as Salesforce projects substantial revenue growth by 2030, while TSMC's strong quarterly results bolster optimism for semiconductor demand. A brewing U.S.-China dispute over rare earth exports further intrigues investors. The hosts delve into the controversies surrounding OpenAI's decision to permit explicit chats on ChatGPT and discuss the implications for jobs and productivity as companies adopt AI. Meanwhile, Starbucks' CEO hints at a promising valuation in China, driving stock performance.
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Salesforce Says Legacy Business Holds As AI Ramps
- Salesforce says its legacy CRM business remains healthy while AI-driven consumption is starting to inflect within 12–18 months.
- Jim Cramer says that combination defeats the bearish case and could restore double-digit growth.
AI As A Force Multiplier For CRM Jobs
- AI is making existing customer-facing roles more productive rather than immediately eliminating them.
- Companies told Jim Cramer they're using AI to boost efficiency and accelerate revenue while keeping headcount roughly stable.
Rare Earth Controls Could Spur Global Backlash
- China defends its rare earth export controls and says U.S. interpretation exaggerates measures.
- Jim Cramer warns the move affects many countries and could prompt a global coalition against China.