The Cost of Compute: Economics 101 on Time, Money, and Energy Tradeoffs
Release Date: 04/03/2026
Digital Currents
This episode examines evolving U.S. crypto regulation, bitcoin market developments, and the growing capital requirements behind AI infrastructure buildouts. Topics include reported SEC plans to address aspects of the regulatory framework following the delayed CLARITY Act vote, Strategy's stated intention to purchase additional bitcoin before year-end, and bitcoin's muted reaction to a reported decline in inflation. The discussion also covers CoreWeave's latest earnings, potential fundraising by Databricks and Cognition, Tether's reported completion of its first full audit, and Nvidia's...
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In this episode, we examine the latest on the Clarity Act and what the remaining legislative paths could mean for U.S. digital asset regulation, recap broader bitcoin market news, including Michael Saylor's latest bitcoin sale, and explore how the AI infrastructure race continues to accelerate. We also discuss Anthropic's expanding compute strategy through major infrastructure investments and custom AI chip development, the emergence of High Bandwidth Flash (HBF) as a potential solution to the AI memory bottleneck, and Microsoft's historic earnings-driven rally that produced the largest...
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In this episode, we discuss the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decision, Microsoft's quarterly results and what they might reveal about the evolving AI investment landscape, the Hugging Face autonomous AI security incident, IBM's sale of its blockchain patent portfolio, and its broader focus on quantum computing. For the chart of the week, we cover Gartner's updated forecast, highlighting continued acceleration in global AI infrastructure and enterprise IT spending. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at . To speak to a team...
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In this episode, we break down how crypto markets are showing renewed strength as Bitcoin and Ethereum erase most of June's losses, and crypto ETFs snap their longest losing streak on record. Around the globe, momentum continues to build as Japan, the UK, and Bolivia advance initiatives that could further accelerate digital asset adoption. We also explore how Cantor Fitzgerald and Securitize are bringing IPOs onchain, highlighting the growing convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology. Finally, we dive into Nous Research's reported $75...
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In this episode, we sit down with Fatema Hamdani, Co-Founder and CEO of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, to explore her journey building a leading aerospace and defense technology company. The discussion includes topics such as KHA's autonomous aircraft, resilient communications systems, the growing role of AI in national security, and how governments and militaries are adopting AI-powered technologies while ensuring humans remain in the decision-making loop. The conversation also covers the future of aerospace innovation, autonomy, and why technologies that once felt like science fiction are becoming...
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In this episode, we discuss the recent moves in Bitcoin and Strategy and look at the challenges SpaceX may be facing. We cover reports that Groq has secured $650M and examine what some are calling a memory squeeze, which we believe may be influencing parts of the tech sector and the broader AI market. We also touch on reports of Reflection AI's agreement, described as a deal worth up to $6.3B, intended to scale open models, as well as OpenAI's debut of "Jalapeño," reported to be its first custom inference chip. Finally, we review the dips in gold, silver, and Bitcoin, and the potential...
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In this episode, we unpack the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady, SpaceX's IPO and the dramatic post-listing run, and the company's completed acquisition of AI coding startup Cursor. We also dig into the unprecedented government directive that forced Anthropic to pull its most powerful AI models offline, and what that episode may signal about the growing tension between frontier AI development and national security policy, and Moody's move to bring its credit ratings on-chain to the Solana network. ...
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This episode of ABCD Roundup features a conversation about the approaching SpaceX IPO and reported surge in investor demand, the potential for quantum computing to address energy and compute constraints, and how the US AI boom may be affecting China. The discussion also touches on recent AI model releases, noting Anthropic's launch of Claude Fable 5, described by the company as a "Mythos-class" model adapted for general use, as well as reports that SoftBank sought to borrow $6 billion against its OpenAI stake before its shares...
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In this episode, we examine several developments that may be shaping technology and capital markets. We first discuss recent price action in bitcoin and explore potential factors behind the latest market decline, including futures market positioning and the implications of Strategy's recent decision to sell a small portion of its bitcoin holdings. We turn to SpaceX, reviewing Morningstar's recent valuation analysis, its financial position, and discussions of its potential path toward S&P 500 inclusion following its anticipated IPO. The conversation also covers Ramp's latest $750 million...
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In this episode, we unpack bitcoin’s pullback toward $73K while AI-related capital formation and infrastructure investment continue to accelerate. The discussion covers Anthropic’s latest raise, now at $965 billion post-money valuation, market commentary tied to Michael Burry’s recent predictions, and the growing conversation around AGI versus the emergence of “RSI” (Recursive Self-Improvement), and what that could mean for markets, labor, and global competition. Finally, we explore the future of financial products tied to AI ecosystems, including the potential for AI token...
info_outlineIn this episode, we cover Bitcoin’s first positive monthly performance since September 2025, unpacking what may be driving momentum and how macro factors, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, could influence inflation expectations and interest rate policy moving forward. Further, we discuss OpenAI’s landmark $122 billion raise at an $852 billion valuation, and what this may signal about capital formation, infrastructure demand, and the path toward a potential IPO. We also examine Oracle’s launch of its AI Data Platform for the U.S. federal government. Finally, we discuss the growing regulatory and legal scrutiny facing major platforms, including a recent court ruling affecting Meta and YouTube that could have long-term implications for digital advertising models and platform accountability.
The Chart of the Week is an analysis of the cost of computing and what it takes to lead the race for speed (tokens per second).
Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com
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This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.