#economicdownturn

as this bubble pops you can expect dell to lose all of its market share and be a 8 billion dollar company

It's gonna happen sooner or later. The closer to CH 11 they do it, the worse it looks.

In-depth piece (15-16 minute read) on IBM's Q2 debacle and the company's future viability.

https://www.thestreet.com/investing/ibms-25-crash-reveals-ais-hidden-corporate-casualty

Two ca--abis manufacturers in Santa Rosa are implementing substantial layoffs this fall, impacting over 100 positions. CraftForce Services Inc., part of CannaCraft, will lay off approximately 60 employees, primarily production technicians. NorCal Ca--abis Company, through Queen City Staffing, will permanently lay off about 49 workers in packaging and trimming roles. An executive cited ongoing financial difficulties within the statewide ca--abis industry as the reason for these workforce reductions. These cuts reflect broader economic challenges and declining sales in the legal ca--abis market.

Santa Rosa, California

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/07/23/two-santa-rosa-ca--abis-companies-announce-mass-layoffs-amid-industry-woes/

Southwest Airlines reported second-quarter earnings that surpassed expectations. However, the company is experiencing significant pressure from increased fuel costs. This financial strain is leading to discussions about potential workforce reductions. An announcement regarding layoffs is anticipated soon. The airline is navigating a challenging economic environment.

Dallas, Texas

https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/video/southwest-may-announce-layoffs-thursday-after-earnings-report-spike-in-fuel-cost/

U.S. unemployment aid applications fell to 187,000 last week, the lowest since 1969. This indicates historically low layoff numbers despite global economic uncertainty. Analysts expected higher filings, but the Labor Department reported a significant decrease. Weekly jobless claims serve as a key indicator of the job market's health. The strong labor market persists despite rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions.

Washington, D.C.

https://www.kiro7.com/news/business/us-filings/KYEZ363Q5Q64ZFANTOCWDC6SPA/?outputType=amp

General Motors is pausing construction on its $3.5 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Indiana. This decision is a strategic response to shifting consumer demand for EVs and evolving market conditions. The company aims to align its manufacturing capacity with current sales forecasts and avoid overproduction. This pause will impact expected job creation and local economic development in the short term. GM will reassess its production strategy and battery technology integration during this period.

New Carlisle, Indiana

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/insight/gm-pauses-3-5b-indiana-ev-battery-plant-amid-demand-shift/gm-GMAEC4E1F5?gemSnapshotKey=GMAEC4E1F5-snapshot-0

I'm not expecting to match my current salary exactly, but every offer I get is so far below what I make now that I have to immediately dismiss it. The job market is simply atrocious right now.

Manufacturing jobs in Chautauqua County experienced significant reductions during the second quarter. Over 300 positions were eliminated across the sector. Despite these layoffs, manufacturing remains the region's strongest industry. Economic development leaders are working to address the situation. Further details on specific companies are not available in the provided text.

Chautauqua County, NY

https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2026/07/22/chautauqua-county-mark-geise-manufacturing.html

A significant number of employees at a major steel plant are being laid off. This reduction in workforce is attributed to a challenging economic climate impacting the industry. The company cited decreased demand and increased operational costs as primary reasons for the decision. Affected workers will receive support packages as they transition. This move signals ongoing difficulties within the steel manufacturing sector.

Whiting, Indiana

https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/bp-union-dispute-continues-as-local-officials-call-for-end-to-lockout-at-whiting-refinery

US unemployment claims saw a significant decrease last week, falling to 208,000. This drop was more substantial than economists had predicted. The four-week average of claims also decreased, indicating continued labor market resilience. Continuing claims also eased, suggesting fewer people are remaining unemployed long-term. These figures point to employers holding onto their staff despite economic uncertainties.

Washington, D.C.

https://cryptobriefing.com/us-jobless-claims-decline-208000/

Job market tough enough, most people taking vacations over summer so hiring is slow and then we heading into fall and EOY holidays where traditionally no hiring due to budget cycles …. Jeeez

Video game workers in Quebec have organized protests against significant layoffs. These job reductions are impacting the province's once-booming gaming sector. The industry is currently facing challenges with declining sales and profitability. Bethesda, an Xbox-owned company, is among those implementing these workforce reductions. This situation highlights broader economic pressures within the video game industry.

Quebec, Canada

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7272014

Harris County departments are preparing for significant budget reductions as a deficit of up to $287 million looms. This marks the fifth consecutive year the county has faced a budget shortfall. The primary driver of the deficit is increased law enforcement salaries, which were implemented to match city pay scales. With limited options remaining, the county is now considering employee layoffs and position eliminations. Rising inflation costs for services like fleet management and technical support have further strained the budget.

Houston, Texas

https://texasscorecard.com/local/harris-county-departments-brace-for-cuts-amid-nine-figure-budget-deficit/

I still think this is way too high though. With the current debt, and forthcoming AI apocalypse, this stock is worth $1 !!!!

A new survey reveals that a significant majority of U.S. workers support the creation of an AI wealth fund. This sentiment arises as tech layoffs continue to increase, causing widespread job security concerns. The proposed fund would mandate AI firms to transfer a substantial portion of their stock to public ownership. Proponents believe this will ensure the benefits of AI are shared broadly. This initiative aims to address public frustration over corporate profits versus worker displacement.

United States

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/12/majority-of-us-workers-support-ai-fund-amid-tech-layoffs-survey.html

Asha Sharma, the new CEO of Xbox, has been appointed to a Federal Reserve task force focused on jobs and productivity. This group will examine the economic effects of new technologies, including artificial intelligence. Sharma recently announced significant layoffs at Xbox. The appointment has drawn criticism due to the timing and the inclusion of other controversial figures. The task force aims to inform the Federal Reserve's policy decisions.

Washington, D.C.

https://www.engadget.com/2211983/days-after-laying-off-3-200-xbox-ceo-asha-sharma-tapped-to-advise-the-federal-reserve-on-jobs/

Multiple healthcare organizations have recently announced substantial workforce reductions. These layoffs span various roles, from administrative to clinical positions, impacting numerous states. The primary drivers cited for these cuts include financial pressures, operational restructuring, and shifts in healthcare delivery models. Many affected employees are being offered transition support and severance packages. These widespread layoffs highlight the challenging economic climate facing the healthcare industry.

California

https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/finance/fierce-healthcare-layoff-tracker-2026-job-cuts-eliminations-health-systems-hospitals

Dignity Health | N/A

Shell’s Wael Sawan has been briefed by the security services about looming security concerns in the UK. Shell has enhanced its leadership get out fast procedures. Top Shell economist also forecast significant economic challenges which would negatively escalate the UKs attractiveness.

Estimate when Shell changes domicile to the USA or even Dubai.

HKS has announced staff reductions. Dozens of employees are affected by the layoffs. The firm cites a real estate industry slowdown. Tight lending standards are impacting new projects. Developers face challenges moving forward with construction.

Dallas, Texas

https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2026/07/02/hks-layoffs-dan-noble.html

Barrette Outdoor Living Inc. laid off 63 workers at its Salisbury manufacturing site. The company cited revenue decline and economic downturn as reasons for the job cuts. Employees and the state received no prior notice of the layoffs. A WARN report was filed on July 1, effective immediately. Barrette Outdoor Living was acquired by Oldcastle APG in 2021.

Salisbury, North Carolina

https://amp.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article316361814.html

Paychex President and CEO John Gibson discussed the current labor market. He shared his insights with 'Mad Money' host Jim Cramer. Gibson stated he currently sees no signs of widespread layoffs. He also indicated no signs of an impending recession. His comments reflect a positive outlook on the economic situation.

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2026/06/30/i-see-no-signs-of-layoffs-or-recession-says-paychex-ceo.html

Job reductions in the Bay Area tech sector are increasing in 2026. Over 10,000 tech positions have been eliminated this year. The current total greatly exceeds last year's figures. Economists connect these reductions to a wider industry change. Companies are prioritizing investments in artificial intelligence.

https://www.kalw.org/bay-area-news/2026-06-29/bay-area-tech-layoffs-top-10-000-this-year

The Bloomington Economic Development Corp. hosted a regional economy event. Phil Powell presented a report on Monroe County's economic status. He noted the economy is holding steady but faces challenges. Average hourly earnings declined, while some sectors saw job growth. Powell urged leaders to develop a stronger regional economic strategy.

Bloomington, Indiana

https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/business/columns/2026/06/25/stronger-regional-strategy-needed-for-bloomingtons-economic-success/90679476007/

Rex Tillerson recently visited LT with a very pessimistic outlook of market and economic prospects. He highlighted that factors leading to a black swan are highly probable. As we all know this will be a perfect opportunity for XOM to grow inorganically and further cement its position as a market leader.
What type of event do you predict?
Last time we were given the COVID crisis this time maybe consequential…nonsense or fortuitous?

If you want to know why the company is doing what it is doing, here’s a small lesson in Private Equity and Leveraged Buyouts. Basically, a larger company finds a smaller healthy company that has employees that they are paying well and has invested a lot of money in research and development. They buy that company with debt, fire the workers, disband R&D and offload debt. They then use all the money doing that generates to pay themselves. This has been an ongoing trend the last 20 years and has ramped up in the last 10. This is in turn destroying the working class by making all these companies like zombie versions of themselves.

In the 1970’s when THEY DEREGULATED THE STOCK MARKET AND THE FINANCE INDUSTRY, PRODUCTIVITY DIVERGED FROM WAGES. If we were to bring back the New Deal Reforms from the 50s/60s, we would close the gap of productivity & wages, and it would make normal people wealthier as opposed to bankers and financiers.

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2026/06/26/midyear-economic-outlook-layoffs.html

Replacing Visa and MC with a local alternative could hurt us majorly. And we all know it's not those on top who'll pay the price, but the rest of us. I've been so nervous about this since the news first came out.

S&P Global reported on US manufacturing layoffs. Layoffs in June reached levels not seen since 2009. This excludes the initial COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Concerns over global demand and rising costs drove these job cuts. Manufacturing PMI growth was mainly due to inventory replenishment.

https://www.bitget.com/amp/news/detail/12560605474712

Lucid Motors recently declared additional job reductions. The company is decreasing its total employee count by 18 percent. This affects 705 individuals at their Casa Grande, Arizona plant. The local community now faces increased economic uncertainty. These are the second staff cuts implemented by Lucid this year.

Casa Grande, AZ

https://www.azfamily.com/2026/06/24/still-shock-casa-grande-feels-impact-after-lucid-motors-layoffs/

3 weeks ago they warned of $140+ oil. Now we sit at $70.

SmartAsset, a financial technology company, released a new report. The report identified America's newest boomtowns nationwide. SmartAsset assessed over 400 cities based on economic output, housing, and labor force growth. Four California cities were ranked among these rapidly growing areas. Menifee, Rancho Cordova, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale made the list.

https://www.aol.com/articles/four-california-cities-among-americas-180001216.html

Initial unemployment claims in the US fell. This signals that layoffs remain low despite economic uncertainty. Employers continue retaining workers due to skilled labor shortages. The Federal Reserve monitors this employment data. Consistent employment aids consumer spending and economic growth.

Washington, D.C., United States

https://brusselsmorning.com/us-weekly-jobless-claims/99520/

Dow is implementing global job reductions as part of its Transform to Overperform plan. These layoffs are now affecting employees in Midland, Michigan. Dow plans to reduce 4,500 global positions throughout 2026. The company has not disclosed specific numbers for Midland. The community feels uneasy about the potential local economic impact.

Midland, Michigan

https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-06-19/midland-braces-for-dows-latest-round-of-layoffs

https://fathomjournal.org/6f4be010/11abdcfdLCZEHh8cGhUZAQk

Predict what’s about to occur now that a low price environment and halfhearted improvement initiatives are about to collide.
Will the market reward or punish current leadership?

Im sorry to say, this place is beyond cooked....and its not just BD, its the whole world.

Balance no longer exists. What remains is a world defined by imbalance so constant that it has become indistinguishable from normalcy. Excess and deficiency exist side by side, not in tension but in resignation, as though correction is no longer expected.

Across the public sphere, intelligent and coherent thought has grown less common, not because the capacity has disappeared, but because the conditions that sustain it have eroded. Attention is fragmented, discourse is accelerated beyond reflection, and communication is increasingly shaped by urgency rather than understanding. Conversations that once demanded depth are now compressed into immediacy, and in that compression, nuance is lost. The result is not silence, but noise without clarity.

At the same time, the natural systems that underpin life are under sustained stress. The ground, the water, the air, and the food supply carry the cumulative weight of industrial and chemical expansion, often in ways that are not immediately visible. These changes do not announce themselves dramatically. They accumulate quietly, persistently, until their consequences become unavoidable. What once could be assumed as stable now exists under conditions that are uncertain and increasingly difficult to restore.

Economic structures mirror this imbalance. Wealth and opportunity continue to concentrate, while access to stability becomes less predictable for much of the population. The idea that effort alone ensures security has weakened. Systems that suggest fairness in principle often fail to deliver it in experience. As disparity widens, so does the distance between those who can insulate themselves from instability and those who cannot.

Institutions that were meant to provide coherence reflect this fragmentation. Education struggles to reconcile its purpose with shifting demands. Governance often reacts rather than directs. Information systems prioritize engagement, leaving accuracy as a secondary concern. These structures continue to function, but their ability to produce alignment or trust has diminished.

On an individual level, the effects are less dramatic but no less significant. People remain connected through constant technological access, yet the sense of being understood does not scale with that connection. Productivity continues to increase, but fulfillment does not follow proportionally. Options expand, while direction becomes less certain. Activity grows, while meaning becomes harder to define.

None of these elements exist in isolation. Each reinforces the others. A decline in thoughtful discourse makes it more difficult to address complex problems. Environmental strain contributes to economic pressure. Inequality intensifies social fragmentation. The systems designed to manage these forces operate within the same conditions that weaken them.

This is not a moment defined by a single collapse, but by the gradual normalization of imbalance across every domain. It is a state in which strain is continuous, correction is delayed, and the expectation of equilibrium has quietly receded.

U.S. applications for jobless aid decreased last week. Filings dropped by 4,000 to 226,000. This indicates layoffs remain historically low across the country. The U.S. economy added 172,000 new jobs in May. The unemployment rate currently stands at 4.3%.

https://www.clickondetroit.com/business/2026/06/18/us-filings-for-unemployment-benefits-fall-to-226000-last-week-as-layoffs-remain-historically-low/