Sunday Reads: Trade Wars, Bitcoin Crash and AI Bubble
This week's most striking developments and analyses in global economy
1US-Canada Trade War Escalates
The 50% US tariff on Canadian goods hit $20 billion trade. Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney shared lessons from 18 months of negotiations with Washington. Canada's 'dollar-for-dollar retaliation' pledge caused toilet paper prices to spike. The impact of trade wars on global supply chains reaches alarming levels, with no quick resolution in sight.
2$80 Billion Wiped Off Bitcoin Companies
FT analysis shows the top 50 corporate bitcoin investors saw their market value drop from $150 billion in July 2025 to $67 billion. NBER report used blockchain data to expose how crypto assets facilitate systematic theft of aid money. Jamie Dimon's criticisms of bitcoin find new support from recent data trends.
3AI Debt Bubble Could Burst by 2027
Groundbreaker analyst predicts trillion-dollar AI infrastructure investments will mature in 2027-2028, mirroring 2006 mortgage crisis patterns. NYT examines how hyperscalers' borrowing frenzy endangers economy. What was called 'bonkers' in 2025 has now reached 'bonkers cubed' levels according to market observers.
4Opioid Settlement Funds Misused
Louisiana sheriffs spent millions meant for addiction treatment on law enforcement gear instead. Stat's investigation reveals how local governments misuse opioid crisis funds. Communities awaiting treatment centers got police equipment, highlighting systemic misallocation of critical resources.
5Deepfake Epidemic Hits Schools
WIRED investigation finds teachers' images used in AI-generated sexual content circulating among students. Educators like Luis DeSantiago battle fake explicit materials. The proliferation of deepfake technology in schools turns teachers into targets, with little legal recourse available.
63 Billion Words of Obsolete Legal Code
WaPo investigation shows how outdated regulations paralyze US government. Stanford's Daniel E. Ho cites example of mandatory annual reports on discontinued $1 coins. This 'policy sludge' of unnecessary bureaucracy significantly reduces operational efficiency across agencies.
7Measles Vaccine Debate in Pennsylvania
Heated call between Gov. Shapiro and health secretary followed two measles deaths in unvaccinated individuals. Documents obtained by Guardian/AP contradict RFK Jr's sworn testimony about 2019 Samoa visit. Public health policies become increasingly polarized political battlegrounds.
8Economic Uncertainties and Future Outlook
David Booth's 'Stay Calm' outlines strategies for navigating investment and life uncertainties. Dimensional Funds Advisors founder, overseeing $1T+ assets, emphasizes staying composed during market volatility. Global economic fluctuations make long-term strategic planning more critical than ever.
Original article: The Big Picture — Pazar Okumaları: Ticaret Savaşları, Bitcoin Çöküşü ve AI Balonu