THE WEALTH NOTES

By WealthTrust Advisors on September 23, 2026

Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy

Fourth Week of September 2026

Golden Arches Upgrade

Wednesday, McDonald’s announced plans to invest $8.5 billion through 2036 to modernize restaurants globally, adding AI-powered technology, delivery lockers, redesigned kitchens, larger play areas, and enhanced coffee-preparation stations. The company also plans to expand protein-focused menu offerings, including grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps, as consumers increasingly seek higher-protein, smaller-portion meals. While franchisees will shoulder part of the cost, McDonald’s said it will provide rent relief and capital support as it accelerates efforts to improve efficiency, order accuracy, and long-term competitiveness.[i]

Demand-Fueled Expansion

Fresh data released Wednesday showed U.S. business activity accelerated to its strongest pace in more than five years in September, driven by robust demand and a sharp increase in new orders across both the services and manufacturing sectors. The stronger growth outlook was accompanied by worsening supply chain bottlenecks, labor shortages, and rising input costs, signaling renewed inflation pressures. The report suggests the economy is expanding at roughly a 5% annualized rate, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve may maintain a restrictive policy stance as price pressures build.[ii]

Agentic Commerce Standoff

A TechCrunch report published earlier this week said Amazon blocked Meta’s AI shopping assistant, Muse, from making purchases on its platform, citing violations of its terms of service for unauthorized AI agents. The move highlights growing tensions as major technology companies compete to shape the emerging market for AI-powered digital assistants and agentic commerce. Beyond competitive concerns, the decision underscores unresolved questions around accountability, accuracy, customer experience, and liability when AI agents act on consumers’ behalf in online transactions.[iii]

AI Reshapes Career Paths

A CNBC report published Wednesday highlighted how artificial intelligence is reducing the need for traditional entry-level work, prompting companies to rethink hiring strategies and workforce development. As AI increasingly handles research, drafting, coding, and administrative tasks, some employers are hiring fewer junior workers while placing greater emphasis on skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and AI oversight. The shift is raising concerns about how early-career employees will gain the experience and judgment once developed through foundational roles, creating new challenges for talent pipelines and long-term workforce planning.[iv]

Media Mega-Merger

A report Monday said Paramount Skydance reached a settlement with a coalition of state attorneys general, clearing the way for its proposed $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery to move forward. The agreement removes a legal challenge that could have delayed the transaction until 2027 and includes commitments to increase U.S. film production, preserve jobs, support workforce development, and maintain editorial independence at CBS News and CNN. The deal marks a major consolidation in the media industry, combining leading film studios, television networks, and streaming platforms as companies seek greater scale amid ongoing disruption across entertainment and media.[v]

Disney’s Tech Offensive

A CNBC report published Friday said Disney created its first chief technology officer role, naming former Character.AI CEO Karandeep Anand to lead the company’s technology, data, engineering, and AI initiatives. The move underscores CEO Josh D’Amaro’s push to embed technology across Disney’s businesses, including streaming, consumer products, gaming, and parks, as the company seeks to deepen engagement and unlock new growth opportunities. The appointment signals Disney’s growing focus on artificial intelligence and digital innovation as competitive differentiators in the evolving media landscape.[vi]

[i] Durbin, Dee-Ann. “McDonald’s Plans $8.5 Billion Modernization by 2036.” Yahoo Finance, 23 September 2026, https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/mcdonalds-plans-8-5-billion-151911049.html. Accessed 23 September 2026.

[ii] Mutikani, Lucia. “US Business Activity at More Than Five-Year High; Inflation Pressures Building.” Yahoo Finance, 23 September 2026, https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/articles/us-business-activity-more-five-135212533.html. Accessed 23 September 2026.

[iii] Brandom, Russell. “Meta’s AI Agent Has Been Blocked From Using Amazon.com.” TechCrunch, 21 September 2026, https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/21/metas-ai-agent-has-been-blocked-from-using-amazon-com/. Accessed 23 September 2026..

[iv] Dodgson, Lindsay. “AI Is Killing the Grunt Work, Forcing Companies to Rethink Entry-Level Hiring.” CNBC, 23 September 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/23/ai-workplace-graduate-entry-level-junior-hiring.html. Accessed 23 September 2026..

[v] Rizzo, Lillian, and Sarah Whitten. “Paramount and State AGs Settle Lawsuit, Allowing Warner Bros. Merger to Proceed.” CNBC, 21 September 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/21/paramount-reaches-settlement-over-warner-bros-merger.html. Accessed 23 September 2026.

[vi] Rizzo, Lillian. “Disney Names CTO for the First Time as Media Giant Expands Tech Push.” CNBC, 18 September 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/18/disney-cto-tech.html. Accessed 23 September 2026.