All-In E163: Market rips, Media RIFs, Texas defies Biden, Fintech reckoning, ARkStorm 2.0 & more

Episode 163 • 1/26/2024

Markets showing strong performance with Dow hitting all-time high above 38,000
GDP growth beat expectations at 3.3% in Q4 versus 2% expected
CPI at 3.4% year-over-year, moving closer to 2% target
Consumer sentiment improved significantly, highest increase since 1991
Discussion of potential "melt up" scenario as rate cuts expected in 2024
Chamath argues we're entering belt-tightening phase with companies lowering expectations
Concerns raised about China's economy and potential oil shocks from Middle East tensions

20,000 media job cuts in 2023 on top of 30,000 during COVID era
Recent cuts at Business Insider (8%), LA Times (100+ people), Conde Nast (300 people)
Panel discusses fundamental economic challenges in media business model
Debate over role of journalism and leak reporting of private company information
Discussion of shift from traditional media to expert-driven direct content

Texas installing razor wire along Rio Grande, leading to legal battle with federal government
Supreme Court ruled against Texas, with Roberts and Barrett voting with majority
Governor Abbott challenging ruling, claiming constitutional right to self-defense
Panel discusses political implications and Biden administration's border policies
Strong public sentiment (75%) viewing border situation as crisis or very serious

Leaked financials from Brex showing $17M monthly burn rate
Discussion of fintech companies struggling with margin profiles versus traditional finance
Analysis of customer acquisition costs and sustainability of business models
Chamath argues many "tech" companies are actually traditional businesses with tech enablement

Concerns about potential massive storm system hitting California
Historical context of 1861-62 ARkStorm that flooded California
Current predictions suggest increased frequency of severe weather events
Clarification that current weather system not likely to be catastrophic ARkStorm event
Discussion of practical preparations and insurance implications