A Last-Minute Holiday Wishlist for the Business Sector

This holiday season, I've finally managed to compile my list of wishes, albeit a tad late for Hanukkah and just in the nick of time for Christmas.

Gone are the days when new gadgets and trendy sneakers topped my desires. This year, my aspirations revolve around developments in the business realm, with a cheeky nod to Santa, another avid reader of Business Insider Today.

The Promise of AI: Real Returns

It seems legally unavoidable to discuss artificial intelligence in reviewing 2025 or forecasting 2026. This isn't about jumping on the AI bandwagon, but about evaluating the concrete gains from hefty AI investments. My concerns aren't about an impending AI bubble, but the escalating tech budgets do cause some anxiety. Relief would come from AI truly proving its financial worth.

Revisiting Wall Street's Hiring Practices

For a junior banking professional, few things could be worse than losing a cherished brunch spot in Murray Hill. Yet, this year brought another blow: the big banks clashed with private equity firms over early recruitments, disrupting the established norms that aspirants had long been preparing for. While I never favored the old system, the current ambiguous state we're in isn't ideal either.

Speculations on Prediction Markets

As prediction markets form more media partnerships, 2026 promises increased data flow from these platforms. However, their growth isn't universally welcomed, as some state regulators have expressed reservations. Let's resolve this by setting up a marketplace that bets on its own future—time to let public opinion weigh in!

Ending Media Blackouts

I'm exasperated by protracted sports blackouts due to disputes over carriage deals. The conclusion is predictable: consumers foot the higher bill while remaining powerless. It's time to move past these tired tactics and come to a resolution without the drawn-out drama.

Protein's Over-the-Top Popularity

No dietary fad is thriving like protein, but it's arguably overextending itself—protein hot cocoa, really? As someone familiar with gym culture and protein shakes (pardon the wordplay), I now feel it's necessary to curb this excess. Excessive protein intake might lead to kidney complications for some individuals.

New York Sports Dreams

Is it too much to hope for the New York Knicks to finally make an appearance in the NBA finals? I'm not demanding a championship.

Likewise, wishing for the New York Jets to be contenders in December games seems daring. Even Santa might find fulfilling these wishes a bit of a stretch.