All Work

Austin Smith

Why a 50-Year-Old Jet Could Save Ukraine

: The F-16 is highly versatile, making it valuable for Ukraine despite being a 50-year-old aircraft. Its wide availability and flexibility in fitting different munitions make it an ideal choice for Ukraine. Donor countries…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

These Republicans Can’t Work Across the Aisle

: Katie Britt of Alabama is currently the most partisan Republican senator. Senators from the South and Bible Belt are generally less bipartisan. Britt may become more bipartisan over time as she builds relationships…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

The Democrats Preventing the Most From Getting Done

: Bipartisan Leaders: Susan Collins and John Cornyn are key bipartisan Republicans in the Senate. Ideology and Flexibility: Strong ideologies don’t hinder bipartisanship; experience often leads to pragmatism. Senate Advantage: Longer Senate terms allow…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

These Senate Democrats Are the Most Bipartisan by Far

: Top Bipartisan Democrats: Gary Peters (MI), Maggie Hassan (NH), and Joe Manchin (WV). Independents: Three independents, including Kirsten Sinema and Angus King, rank high in bipartisanship. Challenges Ahead: Many bipartisan senators are retiring…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

The House Democrats Who Could Do the Most for Ukraine

: Chris Pappas (NH-01) is the top bipartisan Democrat in the House. Don Davis (NC-01) has been highly active, sponsoring 800 bills since 2023. Bipartisan lawmakers focus on pragmatism and effective legislation, especially in…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

US Steel (NYSE: X) Is in Trouble

: U.S. Steel is struggling financially and needs a buyer, with Nippon Steel offering a potential solution. The Biden administration is likely to block the deal, citing national security concerns. Without the buyout, U.S.…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

The House Republicans Who Could Do the Most for Ukraine

: Influence on Policy: Bipartisan reps crucially impact military funding and global conflict responses. Bipartisan Index: Measures cross-party work in Congress, with some limitations. Notable Figure: Brian Fitzpatrick is the most bipartisan House member,…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

Ford’s EV Struggles: A Reality Check on Electric Ambitions

Key Points: F-Series pickups account for 38% of Ford’s U.S. sales, far outpacing EV sales. Ford is heavily incentivizing EV sales, but adoption remains slow. Toyota’s focus on hybrids is proving more successful than the…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

Ford’s Cut and Run Makes Sense This Time

Key Points: F-Series pickups account for 38% of Ford’s U.S. sales, far outpacing EV sales. Ford is heavily incentivizing EV sales, but adoption remains slow. Toyota’s focus on hybrids is proving more successful than the…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

Another EV Industry Domino Falls Over

: Volvo backtracks on its all-electric goal, now aiming for a majority electric fleet by 2030. Challenges include a lack of charging infrastructure and consumer hesitation. Tesla and Chinese EV makers are the only…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

This Looks Like Buffett’s Next Major Buy

: Buffett sold large stakes in Bank of America and Apple, boosting his cash reserves. He may focus on investing in the insurance sector, especially Chubb. Likely waiting for a market dip to make…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

The Nvidia Phenomenon: Unprecedented Growth and Potential Risks

: NVIDIA’s growth depends on five major customers, accounting for 50% of sales. Any pullback from these customers could severely impact NVIDIA’s revenue. Broadening the customer base is crucial for NVIDIA’s stability. With the…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

The Retail Rollercoaster: Winners, Losers, and the Economic Red Flags

: Mixed retail performance: Walmart thrives, while Dollar General and Nordstrom struggle. Inflation heavily impacts lower-income shoppers, hurting discount stores. Consumer caution may extend to middle-class retailers, signaling potential economic trouble. One of the…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

Intel’s Struggles: From Chip King to a Company on the Brink

: Intel is considering breaking up amid struggles and declining market position. Morgan Stanley has been hired to protect against activist investors, with rumors of Qualcomm interest. Investors face uncertainty as Intel’s future direction…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

Microsoft Could Deliver a Knockout Punch to Nvidia (Nasdaq: NVDA)

: Nvidia’s growth depends on five major customers, accounting for 50% of sales. Any pullback from these customers could severely impact Nvidia’s revenue. Broadening the customer base is crucial for Nvidia’s stability. With the…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

The Sausage Index Spells a Stealth Recession

: Mixed retail performance: Walmart thrives, while Dollar General and Nordstrom struggle. Inflation heavily impacts lower-income shoppers, hurting discount stores. Consumer caution may extend to middle-class retailers, signaling potential economic trouble. One of the…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) Is a Dead Man Walking

: Intel is considering breaking up amid struggles and declining market position. Morgan Stanley has been hired to protect against activist investors, with rumors of Qualcomm interest. Investors face uncertainty as Intel’s future direction…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago