Morning Brew Daily

Michael Burry, the renowned 'Big Short' investor, draws parallels between the AI boom and the 2008 housing bubble, sparking dialogue on the fragility of earnings in the AI sector. Meanwhile, new government restrictions threaten the hemp industry, driven by lobbying efforts. Cisco Systems appears to be making a comeback thanks to a surge in AI-related demand. On a lighter note, Robinhood launches a cash delivery service, while Uber introduces rides for skiers to major resorts—perfect for winter adventurers!

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history has ended, but its economic effects linger. Discover which industries emerged as winners and losers in the fallout. Google is taking action against text phishing scams, revealing how these shady operations work. Explore the rising trend of grade inflation at Harvard and its implications. Also, the significance of the final U.S. penny minted is discussed, touching on its cultural impact and production costs. Plus, Ryanair shifts to digital-only boarding passes—no more printed tickets!

In a bold investment shift, SoftBank sells its $5.8 billion Nvidia stake to focus on OpenAI, raising eyebrows in the tech industry. Meanwhile, Visa and Mastercard's settlement allows merchants to reject costly reward cards, potentially changing the payment landscape. With U.S. air travel facing chaos, buses and trains are experiencing a surge in popularity as reliable alternatives. Lastly, Netflix dives into physical entertainment with the launch of Netflix House in Philadelphia, challenging traditional amusement parks.

Best-selling author and journalist Michael Lewis, known for works like The Big Short and Moneyball, joins the discussion to reflect on the film's 10th anniversary and its ties to the 2008 financial crisis. He shares insights on the current AI landscape, warning it may mirror past bubbles. Michael delves into the risks of sports gambling and the ethical concerns it raises. He also playfully explores modern casting choices for The Big Short, contributing his unique perspective on storytelling and the importance of strong characters.

Toby and Kyle dive into the controversial idea of OpenAI potentially being 'too big to fail' amidst discussions of government backstops. They also explore President Trump's proposal for 50-year mortgages, weighing its affordability against long-term costs. Netflix's reimagining of 'Sesame Street' is on the table, aiming to reconnect with audiences. Additionally, the frenzy over Starbucks’ bear-shaped cup sparks both excitement and backlash. They round out the conversation with insights on looming economic data delays due to the government shutdown.

October saw the highest layoffs in 20 years, affecting many sectors. Elon Musk triumphs with his staggering $1 trillion pay package, sparking discussions about his motivations. ESPN ditches Penn Entertainment for DraftKings, signaling a significant shift in sports betting partnerships. Snap's stock rose after announcing a deal with Perplexity AI to enhance its search engine. Meanwhile, Duolingo, Celsius, and e.l.f. Beauty are struggling, each seeing shares plummet by at least 20%. Plus, the FAA plans to cut flights, raising concerns for travelers.

The longest U.S. government shutdown impacts air travel with the FAA reducing flights by 10%. Whole Foods tests a hybrid store concept featuring Amazon kiosks and robots. Meanwhile, Google explores the ambitious idea of launching data centers into space to tackle AI challenges. With a rise in double majors, students prioritize job security in a volatile market. Additionally, research indicates that while moderate indoor plants can be beneficial, too many may actually increase stress. Lastly, the World Series garners record viewership!

Zohran Mamdani's upset victory as NYC's new mayor sparks intriguing reactions from Wall Street. The Supreme Court deliberates Trump's sweeping tariffs, with significant implications for emergency powers. Investor Michael Burry predicts an AI bubble, shedding light on market concentration and stock volatility. Meanwhile, Pizza Hut faces declining sales, prompting its parent company to consider a sell-off. The U.S. government shutdown marks a historic record, affecting SNAP and transport, while investors eye potential resolutions.

A giant acquisition shakes the market as Kimberly-Clark buys Kenvue, sparking discussions on legal risks around Tylenol. Palantir celebrates a fantastic Q3, despite CEO Alex Karp's fiery take on analysts. Controversy brews as Shein faces backlash over banned products in France. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola boldly returns to AI-generated ads, trying to overcome previous criticisms. On a tech note, OpenAI pens a staggering $38 billion cloud deal with Amazon, raising eyebrows in the industry.

Discover the intriguing K-shaped economy where the wealthy thrive while lower-income consumers struggle to keep up. Dive into Disney's battle with YouTube TV over content, revealing the complexities of media negotiations. Marvel at how a casual dinner of CEOs sparked a surge in fried chicken stocks in South Korea. Plus, explore Egypt’s ambitious Grand Egyptian Museum project designed to attract tourists. Stay tuned for insights on upcoming elections and the potential impact of a major Supreme Court ruling.