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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