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Naturally, investors, those restless spirits ever seeking a favorable wind, are circling like vultures. Two companies, Applied Materials and Applied Digital, appear to have caught the eye of the more discerning among them. Let us examine these contenders, though I confess, the very notion of “capitalizing” on such a monumental shift feels…unsettling. It smacks of attempting to sell indulgences in a digital cathedral.

Bitcoin, the bedrock upon which Gemini built much of its hope, has been falling, a steady decline that feels less like a correction and more like a settling of accounts. Twenty-four percent lower this year, it drags down with it the fortunes of those tethered to its rise. For Gemini, this means a shrinking pool of transaction revenue, a quiet desperation creeping into the exchange. Trading slows when the promised gains evaporate, and the air grows thick with the scent of regret. It’s a simple truth, often overlooked in the rush for quick returns: you can’t build a lasting structure on a foundation of fleeting excitement.

I have discovered two specimens worthy of consideration, should one find oneself with a modest five thousand dollars to deploy. One is a rather understated performer, prioritizing growth over immediate gratification. The other, however, is a creature of habit, distributing its wealth monthly—a most civilized arrangement.

DoorDash, for a time known for bringing restaurant fare to the doorstep, is now turning its attention to the heftier task of groceries and everyday goods. It’s a different weight in the basket, a different kind of need. For years, they absorbed the losses, a quiet investment in a future where convenience isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. Now, that future is beginning to bloom, and with it, the potential for real, lasting growth.

Humanoid robots twitching on assembly lines, self-driving cars promising either liberation or a spectacular pileup… the milestones are looming. This isn’t a long-term play, it’s a goddamn freefall, and you need to position yourself before the whole thing implodes or ascends into some chrome-plated paradise. Forget incremental gains. We’re talking about a fundamental reshaping of reality, and a few lucky bastards are going to ride it all the way to the bank.

Micron Technology, a name whispered amongst those who understand the ephemeral nature of memory, has enjoyed a recent ascent. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, the behemoth of contract fabrication, has likewise tasted the fruits of this digital spring. But to focus solely on these visible manifestations of prosperity is to miss the deeper currents at play, the subtle anxieties that haunt even the most successful enterprises.

A certain nervousness, a prevailing air of uncertainty, hangs over the pronouncements of management regarding the year 2026. The customary reassessment of expectations, a ritual performed with increasing frequency in these volatile times, has prompted a general retreat. But for those possessed of a longer view, a patience bred of experience, Adyen appears, if not precisely undervalued, then at least… thoughtfully priced.

The catalyst, if one can dignify it with such a term, involved a minor incident at El Paso International Airport. The airspace, with a characteristic lack of foresight, was abruptly closed due to a drone incursion originating, naturally, from Mexico. One pictures a rather indignant air traffic controller.

I’m talking about American Express and Bank of America. Two institutions that have seen empires rise and fall, financial panics come and go, and still managed to keep counting the money. Warren Buffett likes them, and while I wouldn’t blindly follow anyone (especially not someone who made his fortune predicting what other people will do), it’s worth paying attention. The man understands value, even if he does have a fondness for cherry cola.¹