Quantum Stock Picks
542: Ebola Outbreak, Quantum Stocks
Good morning.
Since we talked about the AI revolution, job layoffs, and alternative options to ensure you are hedged if SHTF at your job, we’ve gotten a whole host of new updates this week.
META 0.00%↑ began executing their layoffs of 8,000
Intuit INTU 0.00%↑ announced major layoffs this week, cutting roughly 17% of its workforce, around 3,000 employees
LinkedIn announced workforce reductions as the company restructures around operational efficiency, organizational priorities, and future growth initiatives. The move adds to the broader trend of technology firms streamlining operations while adapting to a rapidly evolving software and AI landscape
Cloudflare NET 0.00%↑ implemented fresh layoffs as part of a broader push toward efficiency, leaner operations, and strategic growth priorities
We are entering a fairly interesting stretch of 2026. The bears are screaming for a sizable market correction. The bulls think we are on the cusp of a seismic leg higher.
At the same time, AI capabilities continue improving at a pace that is difficult to ignore. The hype is ridiculous.
Major corporations are cutting costs, flattening organizations, and increasingly reallocating capital toward automation, software, and AI infrastructure. Or they are just using AI as an excuse to cut over-hiring from Covid. The uncomfortable question hanging in the background is no longer whether artificial intelligence will materially reshape parts of the labor market.
It is how quickly it happens.
For white collar workers especially, the window for complacency may be narrowing.
Which makes this a worthwhile time to revisit a simple question:
If your industry changed faster than expected, would you actually be ready or would it catch you by complete surprise?
Not everyone gets a fat severance package like the folks at META to weather the storm.
Markets, Quantum Stock Picks
Alright let’s get into it.
US markets have seen a mixed and somewhat volatile week as investors navigate the familiar mix of AI optimism, rising Treasury yields, inflation concerns, and continued geopolitical developments.
Stocks seem to have been facing pressure earlier in the week amid higher rates and energy market volatility before stabilizing just a tad bit as sentiment improved mildly.
The broader theme remains intact in my opinion, markets continue to balance strong enthusiasm around AI, tech, and earnings growth against the persistent macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds we see. Inflation is a major concern as are rising rates.
As of now the odds of a Fed rate hike are climbing steadily. On Polymarket there’s a 34% chance of a hike before December 9th. For monkey brained individuals like myself, this suggests markets are becoming increasingly concerned that inflation, economic resilience, or rising prices could force the Fed to reverse course and now tighten policy again rather than continue cutting rates. Personally?
I think they have no choice but to print as usual.
JPMorgan executive Lorna Hajdini is suing ex-banker Chirayu Rana for defamation over “sex slave” allegations. Moment of silence for his “fishhead” wife
The 10 largest US stocks are now accounting for a record 41% of the S&P 500’s market cap (Kobeissi Letter)
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said recently the bank will hire more AI specialists and fewer traditional bankers, adding that AI “will reduce our jobs down the road” (CoinTelegraph)
Jeff Bezos said on a recent interview that AI will "elevate" people at work, not replace jobs (CNBC)
Claude AI developer Anthropic is set to pay Elon Musk's SpaceX $1.25 billion per month until May 2029 (WatcherGuru)
U.S. national debt officially hits $39 trillion, adding approximately $5 billion a day since October (FORTUNE/Unusual Whales)
ONDS 0.00%↑ has announced : Acquisition of Omnisys is now closed. Omnisys is expected to deliver more than $100 million in revenue over 2026 and 2027, providing a high margin contribution to the Ondas platform.
Nvidia NVDA 0.00%↑ posted another massive earnings report, driven by sustained explosive demand for AI infrastructure and data center hardware.
Their revenue and earnings came in well ahead of expectations, while forward guidance suggested AI spending from hyperscalers and enterprises remains extremely strong.
The company also announced a major new $80 billion stock buyback authorization, underscoring management’s confidence in long term growth, profitability, and sustained AI demand. For now, we might be saved again by Jensen and his behemoth company that has absolutely printed for us for years now.
Stock is a bit muted in trading so far today.
Quantum Stock Pick List
So what do you know about quantum?
I didn’t know much until last year.
At a high level, quantum computing is an insane next generation form of computing that leverages the strange rules of quantum physics to solve certain problems dramatically faster than traditional computers. You’ve probably heard about the quantum Bitcoin FUD before.
Let’s shoot straight though, if quantum is successful at scale, the technology could have enormous implications across fields like AI, cybersecurity, defense, pharmaceuticals, logistics, finance, and encryption, which is exactly why we see governments, hyperscalers, and investors beginning to take it increasingly seriously.
The big news pre market today was that the U.S. just made a major move in quantum computing. Washington announced a multi-billion dollar ($2B) initiative supporting key players across quantum hardware, infrastructure, and manufacturing, signaling that quantum is increasingly being treated as a strategic frontier alongside AI, semiconductors, and defense.
This is similar to the metals/minerals trend we saw earlier this year and the deal with INTC 0.00%↑ which absolutely printed for some of you.
Worth noting this announcement also comes amid growing global competition, particularly between the United States and China, to secure leadership in advanced computing technologies.
Governments and major corporations alike are going to be pouring capital into the space under the belief that the eventual winners in quantum could control critical technological advantages in the coming decades. Watch closely today but likely a good idea to have broad exposure moving forward.
Some of these names are vertical today and it could be the next trend to ride. Let’s take a look.