AI transitions from expansion to discipline phase
Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 27, 2026 at 17:56 UTC  |  2:15  |  CNBC

Summary

  • Tech companies are seeing layoffs across the board.
  • Pinterest plans to lay off 15% of its staff.
  • Amazon is expected to cut 14,000 jobs soon.
  • OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, reportedly told staff that the company plans to "dramatically slow down" its hiring rate.
  • This slowdown is being framed as a move from pure growth to discipline.
  • The AI talent war is not over, but the focus is shifting.
  • Investors should look for companies to leverage existing resources and focus on efficiency and productivity metrics.
  • This shift means scrutinizing utilization rates and free cash flow rather than just headcount.