4 Ways Zoomers Are Being Hit Financially and With the Rise of AI
Speakers
Summary
- Bitcoin is currently exhibiting "defection" behavior in game theory models, suggesting a period of high volatility and mean reversion rather than a sustained rally in the immediate short term.
- A divergence is forming between domestic/international capital flows into US Tech (slowing) and the narrative of AI, leading to caution on the NASDAQ.
- Corporate efficiency via AI is becoming a tangible investment thesis, with Block (SQ) cited as a prime example of replacing headcount with internal AI tools ("Goose") to streamline 70% of workflows.
- AI Agents are expected to drive significant volume to DeFi and Stablecoins because they cannot easily access traditional banking rails, making permissionless blockchains their native financial layer.
Trade Ideas
The speaker explicitly states he has shifted focus toward "commodities and energy," specifically mentioning oil producers and recently "natural gas." As the economy shows signs of reacceleration (ISM data) combined with geopolitical uncertainty, commodities act as a hedge. Furthermore, the speaker implies these sectors are undervalued compared to the crowded tech trade. LONG Energy and Natural Gas as a rotation play away from tech. A recessionary hard landing would crush energy demand; geopolitical tensions could de-escalate rapidly.
The speaker is "relatively cautious" on the NASDAQ because international flows into large-cap tech are slowing, and domestic corporate buybacks are also decelerating. Big Tech has been propped up by massive liquidity flows and buybacks. If both sources of demand are drying up simultaneously while valuations remain high, the index lacks the support to continue its exponential run. AVOID or reduce exposure to the broad NASDAQ index. AI mania could continue to drive multiples expansion regardless of underlying flow dynamics.
The speaker argues that the biggest driver of Bitcoin is "real interest rates," and with the Fed expected to cut rates while inflation potentially picks up, real rates should fall. Bitcoin historically acts as a hedge against monetary debasement. Lower real rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like Bitcoin, creating a favorable macro tailwind similar to the 2020-2021 cycle. LONG Bitcoin based on the macro rate cycle. The Fed may keep rates higher for longer if inflation proves too sticky, keeping real rates positive.
Using a game theory model based on on-chain metrics, the speaker identifies the current regime as "defection" (high volatility, mean reverting) rather than "cooperation" (low volatility, sustained accumulation). In a defection regime, market participants front-run each other, preventing sustained price appreciation. A rally is only sustainable once the market enters a "cooperation" phase, which requires a persistence of low volatility for 20-30 days. NEUTRAL / WATCH. Do not aggressively long spot Bitcoin yet; wait for the regime shift. An external shock (positive news) could force a regime change faster than the model predicts.
The speaker notes that AI agents cannot easily open traditional bank accounts (KYC/AML friction) but can easily utilize crypto wallets. As AI agents begin to conduct economic activity autonomously, they will be forced to use permissionless rails. This creates structural demand for DEXs (Uniswap) and Stablecoin infrastructure (Maker/Aave) as the native financial layer for AI. LONG DeFi Blue Chips as the infrastructure for the "Agent Economy." Regulatory crackdowns on DeFi interfaces or smart contract exploits.
Block (Square) developed an in-house AI tool called "Goose" that streamlined 70% of engineering workflows, allowing them to execute massive layoffs and boost margins. This is the first major public example of the "AI Efficiency" thesis. Companies that successfully replace human OPEX with AI software will see drastic margin expansion and stock repricing. LONG Block as a leader in AI-driven corporate efficiency. Regulatory backlash against AI layoffs or failure of the AI tools to maintain product quality.
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This Unchained (Chopping Block) video, published March 05, 2026, features Will Clemente, Marcus Wu, Joe Vezzani discussing XLE, UNG, QQQ, BTC, MKR, UNI, AAVE, SQ. 6 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.
Speakers: Will Clemente, Marcus Wu, Joe Vezzani · Tickers: XLE, UNG, QQQ, BTC, MKR, UNI, AAVE, SQ