What tech job recession?

Speaking of California, one of the state’s key industries — tech — had a tough start to the year. But the tide is starting to turn.

What’s on deck:

• Markets: US real yields have surged to 2009 highs.
• Tech: People are buzzing about seeing Tesla’s Cybertruck in the wild.
• Business: Returning to the office could be bad for the environment.

Good news for tech

The tech industry was on shaky ground entering 2023. And it wasn’t long before Big Tech made deep cuts to its workforce. More than 300,000 employees at tech companies were laid off in the first half of the year.

But all that is in the rearview mirror, at least according to tech analysts from Bernstein Research, writes Insider’s Alistair Barr. In a recent email to investors, the analysts called an end to the tech job recession and pondered when hirings will reaccelerate.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in the world of AI. Storm clouds are forming that could rain on the AI parade and, as a result, the broader tech industry. 

• Chip conundrum: Nvidia’s GPUs are key to AI development, leading its stock to skyrocket more than 200% this year. But keeping up with demand hasn’t been easy. Complicating matters is Nvidia’s partnership with Tawain-based TSMC. The world’s largest chipmaker delayed plans to open an Arizona factory due to a dispute with US workers. Nvidia’s earnings report next week should clarify how it’s meeting demand. But the risk that Nvidia poses as a key supplier of the wider AI industry remains.
• Training troubles: Another thorn in generative AI’s side is training. Large language models require massive amounts of text to learn and evolve. But they’re running out of stuff to read, and some companies face lawsuits from authors alleging copyright infringement. Meanwhile, sourcing new forms of training data could prove difficult as companies look to protect their data against being used for training.
• Overly optimistic: Calling generative AI an overhyped bubble feels like a mischaracterization. It’s undeniable that the tech will profoundly affect everything in our lives. But the timeline remains to be seen, as previous assumptions about AI models haven’t always panned out. So if the AI expectations of tech companies — and their investors — are delayed, there could be more pain to come.

3 things in markets

1. Inflation-adjusted bond yields in the US have surged to the highest levels since the 2008-2009 financial crisis. The yield on 10-year inflation-protected Treasuries, also known as TIPS, surged to 1.89% on Wednesday.
2. “Big Short” investor’s latest big short. Michael Burry disclosed sizable bets against the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 in a recent portfolio update. While the holdings could be hedges, they could also indicate the famed investor’s opinion on the wider market.
3. A top Two Sigma exec has taken medical leave amid a critical juncture for the hedge fund. Alex Ginsburg, the firm’s chief investment officer of equities, is a 21-year company vet. His leave comes as the firm grapples with infighting between its cofounders, David Siegel and John Overdeck.

1. Cybertrucks in the wild. Early production models have hit the road, and they’re turning heads and cameras. People are sharing their early sightings online, and Tesla’s first pickup truck looks pretty distinct alongside regular vehicles.
2. Pettiness is the order of the day for prominent tech bros. Elon Musk’s X appeared to slow down access to websites he doesn’t like. Microsoft’s Satya Nadella suggested it is prioritizing AI to make Google its lapdog. It’s all indicative of petty tech bro summer
3. Keith Rabois’ startup OpenStore is launching a new program to boost Shopify merchants. The 10-week training program will help businesses optimize their marketing. The first cohort will consist of five merchants generating between $50,000 and $500,000 in net sales annually.

1. The dirty downside of return to office policies. Commuting to work multiple times a week could make the climate crisis worse. Transportation accounts for around 15% of greenhouse-gas emissions. Plus, passenger vehicles are responsible for a large chunk of that.
2. Skills > college degree. A LinkedIn study found that job listings are increasingly removing college degree requirements. Recruiters — including at major companies like IBM and Google — are now prioritizing skills in their searches.
3. The 30 young leaders forging a new future for healthcare. Insider’s annual list includes entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, and more. They’re improving access to mental-health care, educating others about race in medicine, expanding addiction treatment, and more.

Billionaires, Teslas, & more

• Creator merch startup Fanjoy has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to court filings.
• Meet the world’s secret billionaires. These mega-rich people are notorious for avoiding the public eye.
• “The Blind Side” family claims NFL star Michael Oher threatened them with negative press unless they paid him $15 million.
• Tesla cut the prices of its Model S and Model X by $10,000.
• Rosemary oil has become a viral hair growth agent, and some dermatologists even back the method.
• Multiple Trader Joe’s executives said they don’t plan to replace cashiers with self-checkout.
• Hackers can now steal passwords over Zoom by using AI to listen to keystrokes.

Racing, cats, & birthdays

• Earnings on deck: Walmart, Ross Stores, and more, all reporting.
• Meow: Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day. The day is supposed to help destigmatize black cats.
• Happy birthday to Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison. Robert De Niro, Thierry Henry, and Phoebe Bridgers are also celebrating birthdays today.
• The Camping World SRX Series car racing finale is tonight in Wheatland, Missouri. It’ll happen at 9 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN.

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