Academy Securities
May 17, 2026
AI vs Affordability and Rates
Weekly UpdateEquitiesRates Govt BondsCommoditiesInformation TechnologyEnergy
A macro update highlighting the conflict between AI-driven growth and global affordability, while warning of 'higher for longer' oil prices and rising global bond yields.
Key Takeaways
- 1.The concept of Universal Basic Income is gaining traction as AI-driven tax revenue and job uncertainty weigh on confidence, particularly in South Korea.
- 2.The oil market is transitioning to a 'higher for longer' regime, with WTI prices of $80+ being priced into 2027, creating a significant headwind for global affordability.
- 3.Retail interest in semiconductor and AI trades appears to be plateauing while institutions and hedge funds are increasingly crowded in 'must-have' positions.
Table of Contents
- China, Iran, and a Whole Lotta Nothing
- The Oil Curve
- AI versus Affordability
- Which Brings Us to Rates
- Globally, U.S. Treasuries, are fairly generic.
- Defense Spending Requires Money
- The AI and Data Center Build Out Competes for Money
- Bottom Line
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Authors
Peter Tchir
Securities
SOXLSOXX10-year US Treasury10-year Japanese Government Bond
Themes
Global Affordability CrisisAI vs. Labor/Retail
Regions
Asia PacificMiddle EastNorth AmericaSouth KoreaUnited StatesJapan
