Business

America’s top companies keep talking about AI — but can’t explain the upsides. The top executives just say what the Street and others want them to say. They can’t afford to look short-sighted. They can’t afford to be laggards. They can’t afford to miss out on what others may potentially get from AI. The problem is that only few so far have shown real use cases of AI.

Spending on AI Is at Epic Levels. Will It Ever Pay Off? I don’t think it ever will

Costco’s new shopping hours are a sign of tierification of US economy. Companies are savvy enough to realize that once they create a sense of exclusivity and show that such exclusivity can offer SOME values, consumers are willing to pay more. Want some checked bags? Get a credit card or pay extra. Want to get in some lounge? Get a card or pay for a one-day pass. Want to shop early at Costco? Cough up a few more bucks. It’s brilliant to see as a student of business strategy, but as a consumer, it just sucks. It feels like I am being forced to be part of too many exclusive clubs that I don’t want to join. The worst thing is that if this continues long enough, it will become a standard and consumers just have to pay more for pretty much the same service.

Your favorite Aldi product will soon have a new look. The ambition is to replicate the success that Costco has with Kirkland. Simply Nature is not a household name. Aldi must think that as they plan to become one of the top grocers in the country, why not having a private label just as well-known and loved as Kirkland?

The Digital Markets Act’s impacts on EU users. A well-written coherent article that explains why the Digital Markets Act is a terrible law for Europeans. What makes the lawmakers think it makes sense to force one company to help make proprietary technologies available to others? Apple has a valid argument that because its core principle is privacy and security, following the DMA would violate that principle. Plus, why invest in new technologies so that others can just have for free?

Other Stuff I Find Interesting

How Did Sports Betting Become Legal in the US? An interesting read on the history of sports betting’s legality in the US.

When Africa’s internet breaks, this ship answers the call. It sounds like a super challenging yet crucial job to keep the global communication and AI arm race going smoothly. It’s hard for me to fathom that while I am sitting here, blogging in my comfortable apartment, some people are out there working 12 hours straight, with little room for mistakes and months away from family, to keep Internet up and running.

The “Wage Level” Mirage. “The proposed wage-level prioritization rule would invert the intended logic of the H-1B program. Instead of channeling visas toward the valuable roles, it would reward seniority, benefitting outsourcing firms while hurting America’s talent pipeline by offering fewer visas to graduates of American schools.“

The average homeowner has over $300,000 of equity.

But selling often could trigger a massive tax bill.

This is why you must track improvements (almost no one does!)

Here's all you need to know:

— The Money Cruncher, CPA (@money_cruncher) September 27, 2025

Stats

20% of Germany’s population is older than 67

China Bought $12.6 Billion in U.S. Soybeans Last Year

“Even with AI-related savings, investors are still $800 billion short in annual revenue required to profitably fund the data centers of 2030”

10% of Americans often get news from podcasts