Today’s episode examines how artificial intelligence demand is reshaping hardware manufacturing, financial infrastructure, and energy strategy in early 2026. Alex and Morgan begin with a brief snapshot of extreme winter weather across parts of the United States and steady performance in major markets and Bitcoin, setting the broader economic context.

The discussion opens with ASML, which posted record quarterly bookings of €13.2 billion, fueled by a sharp rise in AI infrastructure spending. Despite the demand surge, ASML also announced plans to cut 1,700 jobs as part of an efficiency push. The hosts explore how even market leaders are balancing explosive growth with cost discipline as capital cycles tighten.

Next, the episode turns to digital finance, where Tether has re-enter ...