Macro Mondays: January 19, 2026
Macro Mondays: January 19, 2026
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Note: AI-generated summary based on third-party content. Not financial advice. Read more.
Quick Insights

Consider investing in the enablers of the AI revolution, such as electricity and hardware companies, as this is seen as the preferred way to gain exposure to the trend. It is advised to avoid broad investments in the AI software sector, as many companies are at risk of being made obsolete by advancing AI models. For a play on a strengthening US economy, look to US Small Caps via the Russell 2000, which could see significant upside if the manufacturing PMI moves into the 56-58 range. A more niche opportunity lies in companies related to Arctic security, such as drone manufacturers and the Greenland-focused mining company Critical Metal Corps. Finally, use Gold to hedge against major geopolitical conflict, while Bitcoin may be a better hedge against a US dollar or central bank crisis.

Detailed Analysis

Bitcoin (BTC)

  • The price was noted to be sliding down at the start of the week, which was partially attributed to geopolitical tensions surrounding the Greenland situation.
  • Bitcoin is viewed as an asset that is currently priced for "mediocrity" in the economic cycle. This suggests that if the economy strengthens significantly (e.g., a large increase in the PMI manufacturing index), Bitcoin could have "loads of returns ahead."
  • A key distinction was made between Bitcoin and Gold as safe-haven assets:
    • You would rather own Bitcoin if you are hedging against a crisis related to the US dollar and the Fed.
    • You would rather own Gold if you are hedging against a "geopolitical shitshow" like a meltdown of the NATO alliance.

Takeaways

  • Bitcoin's performance may be tied to the broader economic cycle. An investor who is bullish on a strong economic uptick in the coming months might see potential upside in Bitcoin.
  • Consider the type of risk you are hedging against. Bitcoin may be a more suitable hedge for monetary or currency-related crises, while it could underperform other assets like gold during periods of intense geopolitical conflict.

Gold

  • The price of metals, including gold, was described as "flying" at the start of the week, likely due to geopolitical uncertainty.
  • Gold is presented as the preferred asset for hedging against severe geopolitical turmoil.
  • The speaker explicitly states, "If you're hedging a complete meltdown of NATO, buy gold instead of Bitcoin."

Takeaways

  • Gold is acting as a classic safe-haven asset in response to geopolitical tensions.
  • Investors concerned about escalating trade wars or the stability of international alliances may consider gold as a hedge in their portfolio.

US Small Caps (Russell 2000)

  • It was noted that small caps have been outperforming large caps for 10 straight sessions, which is typically a bullish signal for the economy.
  • Similar to Bitcoin, the Russell 2000 is considered to be priced for "mediocrity."
  • The speakers believe there is significant upside potential if the manufacturing cycle (as measured by the PMI) sees a strong spike in the coming months. A potential move in the PMI to the 56-58 range is mentioned as a catalyst.
  • Risk Factor: This positive outlook is contingent on the US-EU trade dispute not escalating into a "violent tit-for-tat trade war," which could create a "roadblock" for the economy.

Takeaways

  • The recent outperformance of small caps could be an early indicator of a strengthening economic cycle.
  • Investors with a bullish view on the US economy for the first half of 2026 might find small-cap stocks and ETFs (like those tracking the Russell 2000) to be an attractive area for potential growth.
  • Be aware that this investment thesis is sensitive to geopolitical risks, and an escalating trade war could derail the expected economic recovery.

AI Software Sector

  • A generally bearish sentiment was expressed towards the AI software sector as a broad investment.
  • The rapid advancement of Large Language Models (LLMs), like the mentioned "Claude Code," poses an existential threat to many software companies. The speaker believes many software subscriptions "will be worth zero in a year from now."
  • The core issue is that LLM capabilities are currently on an exponential growth curve, doubling their effectiveness versus a human software engineer every five months.
  • The advice is to "stay at least mostly off software as a basket" until this exponential growth phase slows down into a more predictable S-curve.
  • An exception might be highly complex enterprise software, with SAP mentioned as an example of a company that would be very difficult for current AI to replace.

Takeaways

  • Exercise extreme caution when investing in the software sector. The entire business model for many companies is at risk of being disrupted by more advanced AI.
  • Instead of broad-based software ETFs, investors might consider focusing on highly specialized, entrenched enterprise software providers that are less likely to be made obsolete in the short term.

AI Hardware & Electricity Sector

  • This theme is presented as the bullish and preferred way to invest in the AI revolution.
  • The thesis is that the exponential growth in AI will run into "physical constraints," namely the need for immense amounts of electricity and specialized hardware (like data centers and chips).
  • The speakers noted that their own model portfolio has "much more exposure to electricity and hardware than to software."

Takeaways

  • To gain exposure to the AI megatrend while avoiding the disruption risk in software, investors should look at the enabling industries.
  • Consider investments in companies involved in:
    • Electricity generation and utility infrastructure.
    • Data center construction and operation.
    • Semiconductor and other hardware manufacturing that is critical for AI.

Defense & Greenland-Related Investments

  • The most realistic outcome of the US-EU tension over Greenland is predicted to be "increased investments into the defense of Greenland."
  • Specific areas for investment mentioned include ships and drones.
  • The "Golden Dome radar network" was highlighted as a specific project that could see "massive investments" as a way to enhance Arctic security.
  • The speakers' model portfolio contains drone bets that are reportedly performing well.
  • A company named Critical Metal Corps was mentioned as an "obvious" play, as it is involved in mining in the very south of Greenland.

Takeaways

  • A niche but potentially profitable theme is emerging around Arctic defense and resources.
  • Investors could research companies in the following sectors:
    • Defense: Companies specializing in naval vessels, drone technology, and advanced radar systems.
    • Mining: Look for publicly traded mining companies with active operations or exploration rights in Greenland, particularly for critical minerals. Critical Metal Corps was a specific name mentioned.

"MAX 7" (Likely MAG 7) & European Regulation

  • The "MAX 7" (a probable reference to the MAG 7 stocks like Microsoft, Apple, Google, etc.) were mentioned as a potential target for EU retaliation in a trade war.
  • A "digital services sales tax" imposed by the EU is considered a more serious threat than tariffs on symbolic goods like motorcycles or jeans.
  • The possibility of such a tax was cited as a reason why NASDAQ futures were trading lower.

Takeaways

  • Investors in US big tech should monitor the US-EU trade dispute closely.
  • Risk Factor: The imposition of new European taxes or regulations on these companies could create significant headwinds for their stock prices.
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