Robert Frank — Wealth Editor, CNBC (8 trade ideas)

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Date Ticker Direction Thesis Source
Feb 12, 2026 LONG Eric Schmidt (Hill Spire) and Jeff Bezos (Bezos Expeditions) were the top two investors. Schmidt focused on AI voice and Fusion; Bezos focused on AI robotics and energy-efficient AI compute. The founders of the Web2 era are deploying their personal fortunes into the "Physical Layer" of AI (Robotics) and the "Efficiency Layer" (Compute/Energy). This suggests the next wave of value creation is not just in LLMs, but in embodied AI and the hardware required to run it sustainably. Long exposure to robotics and next-gen AI hardware infrastructure. High failure rate of early-stage deep tech; disconnect between private venture trends and public market timelines. CNBC
Inside the Family Office 15 List: Here's what...
Feb 12, 2026 LONG Lucas Walton (Walmart heir) made the list with his "Builders Vision" family office, which is explicitly investing in "sustainable agriculture and green energy." Multi-generational wealth is hedging against resource scarcity and climate transition. When the heirs to the world's largest retailer allocate to food and energy sustainability, it signals a conviction in the long-term value of essential resources and clean infrastructure. Long US Agriculture and Clean Energy sectors. Regulatory headwinds; capital-intensive nature of agriculture and energy projects. CNBC
Inside the Family Office 15 List: Here's what...
Feb 12, 2026 WATCH Eric Schmidt's office made a notable "outlier" investment in a software platform for "luxury travel and experiences." Even deep-tech focused investors see resilience and growth in the "experience economy," particularly at the high end. This implies a belief that luxury consumer spending on experiences will persist despite macro headwinds. Watch luxury travel and leisure names for resilience. Consumer recession or pullback in discretionary spending. CNBC
Inside the Family Office 15 List: Here's what...
Feb 11, 2026 LONG Ferrari is sold out through the end of next year and is launching its first EV (the "Luch") in May with a flexible factory that can toggle between EV, hybrid, and ICE. Unlike mass-market automakers struggling with EV demand (like Ford), Ferrari has scarcity value and manufacturing flexibility. They can pivot production based on actual demand rather than forcing EVs into a reluctant market. Long due to pricing power, sold-out order book, and flexible strategy. Poor reception of the electric Ferrari sound/experience. CNBC
Squawk Pod: January’s jobs picture & AI disru...
Feb 11, 2026 LONG Wealth management stocks dropped 7-9% after Altruist announced an AI tax planning tool, sparking fears that algorithms will replace human advisors. The sell-off is labeled an "overreaction." While AI will drive fee compression and consolidation, high-net-worth clients (the target demographic for these firms) still demand human judgment and relationship management. AI will likely reduce back-office costs rather than replace the core advisor role at the high end. Buy the dip on the overreaction; top firms adapting to AI will survive and consolidate. Continued fee compression and faster-than-expected AI adoption by low-cost competitors. CNBC
Squawk Pod: January’s jobs picture & AI disru...
Feb 10, 2026 WATCH A 5% wealth tax on Zuckerberg or Page would result in a tax bill of ~$12-15B. They do not have this cash on hand. To pay the tax, they are forced to sell stock. Selling stock triggers Capital Gains tax, requiring *more* selling to cover that. This creates a forced liquidation event where founders must dump tens of billions in equity, creating massive supply overhang. Watch these tickers closely. If the tax measure gets on the ballot (November), the market will front-run the insider selling pressure. The tax is struck down by courts (highly likely according to Frank), negating the need to sell. CNBC
Tech titans leave California after new wealth...
Feb 10, 2026 LONG Zuckerberg bought a $150M home in Florida. Meta has a growing office in Miami. Robert Frank confirms other billionaires (Page, Brin) are moving family offices, private companies, and children to Florida schools. This is the "Cluster Effect." When the CEO moves, the C-suite, family offices, and philanthropic arms follow. This creates a structural tailwind for Florida's high-end real estate market and local economy, regardless of whether the specific CA tax passes. Long Florida-exposed assets (e.g., St. Joe Company or Miami-centric developers) as wealth migration accelerates. Florida real estate market saturation or climate-related insurance risks. CNBC
Tech titans leave California after new wealth...
Feb 06, 2026 WATCH Elon Musk's wealth composition has flipped; 2/3 of his net worth now comes from SpaceX (valued at $1.25 trillion), not Tesla. There is a "Key Man" distraction risk. Musk has 80% voting control at SpaceX compared to ~25-28% at Tesla (even with his new pay package). The Tesla board explicitly noted in a proxy that a compensation plan was needed to prevent him from prioritizing other ventures. As SpaceX grows, Musk's financial and voting incentives align more with space/AI than EVs. Musk owns ~43% of the merged SpaceX/xAI. His stake there is worth $540 billion vs. $300 billion in Tesla. If SpaceX goes public or continues to outperform, retail investor interest may shift from Tesla to SpaceX, draining the "Musk premium" from TSLA stock. CNBC
Squawk Pod: Jennifer Garner & Once Upon A Far...