My Investing Muse (10Aug2026)
Layoffs, closures and Delinquencies
The first week of August 2026 saw tech-sector layoffs push year-to-date totals past the full-year 2025 figure, with Layoffs.fyi data showing more than 125,000 tech job cuts already recorded across hundreds of companies. Restructuring for efficiency, cost discipline, and capital reallocation toward AI infrastructure remained key drivers.Zillow (4 August): Eliminated just over 500 positions (~7% of workforce), its largest round of the year. CEO Jeremy Wacksman cited the need for a more disciplined cost structure and operational efficiency amid ongoing growth. Nutanix (4 August): Announced an approximate 5% global workforce reduction (roughly 390 roles) to streamline operations, improve agility, and shift resources toward strategic priorities including AI; expected charges of $33–43 million. TikTok (5 August): Laid off 250 employees and closed its Nashville office (which included content-moderation roles), effective by early October, to streamline operations. Etsy (5 August): Cut about 220 roles (12% of staff), concentrated in Product and Engineering, as part of a restructuring for faster decision-making and flatter teams. CEO Kruti Patel Goyal said the moves were not primarily cost- or AI-driven. Google: A Washington state WARN notice confirmed plans to cut 52 positions (software engineers, managers, and related roles) across Seattle-area offices as part of targeted team reorganizations.Broader context included ongoing WARN notices involving Amazon, Walmart, FedEx and others, plus data showing July U.S. announced cuts at a multi-year low even as tech remained active. These moves reflect continued corporate focus on leaner structures amid AI investment and mixed labor-market signals. - Compiled from Gemini and Grok
British travel companies that shut down in 2026 include Trav Expert, Groupia, Salamander Voyages, Travel Bespoke, Regen Central, Set Sail Cruises, Your Travel Shop and TS Travels Group. Ski Yodl enters voluntary liquidation and cancels all booked trips.
My investing muse
Weather-related disruptions remain a key risk to monitor. Across Asia, recent earthquakes, volcanic activity, and storm systems affecting parts of China’s eastern coast have added to broader climate concerns. Europe and the United States continue to face extreme heat and wildfire risks, while India is dealing with both heatwaves and record rainfall in Mumbai. These events are disrupting lives, livelihoods, and economic activity, and the potential return of El Niño later this year raises the question of whether Asia may experience weather patterns similar to those seen in Europe.
Geopolitical risk also remains elevated, particularly in the Middle East, where a fragile ceasefire continues to create uncertainty rather than lasting stability.
From a market perspective, excessive leverage is another concern. Recent margin calls and forced liquidations in South Korea highlight how quickly leverage can amplify losses. Investors should remain disciplined, avoid overextension, and invest only with capital they can afford to risk.
Kings may not survive ladies. Marriages may not survive liquor. Economies do not survive leverage.
Financial Strategy and Outlook
Let us spend within our means, invest only what we can afford to lose, and avoid leverage. Let us review our current holdings and divest from businesses losing their competitive advantages. Additionally, I will consider adding both hedging strategies and defensive positions to our portfolio to mitigate risk.
As we move forward, it is crucial to conduct thorough due diligence before assuming any new responsibilities.
Wishing everyone a successful week ahead.
Comments