CBX Daily 9/17/2025

Author

Kori Hale
September 17, 2025

Today, Gen Z are adopting collectibles as a currency path, but let’s start with how Goldman Sachs believes superfans and streaming will support music growth…

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Goldman Sachs Bets On Superfans & Streaming For Music Growth

CBX Vibe

Streaming once again takes center stage in Goldman Sachs (GS -0.60%) latest ‘Music in the Air‘ report. The financial firm lays down a bold claim that the global music industry is on track to nearly double its revenues over the next decade, climbing from about $105 billion in 2024 to nearly $200 billion by 2035. Currently music streaming sales are dominated by top R&B and hip-hop artists such as Bad Bunny, Drake, SZA, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Burna Boy and Cardi B. For artists, labels, and listeners whose contributions often drive streaming dominance, these trends could reshape both opportunity and equity in the music business. 

Collectibles Are the New Cultural Currency for Gen Z

CBX Vibe:

Gen Zs are often touted as the generation invested in the wrong things but they're proving us all wrong with their interests. This group is embracing aged wine, antique watches and more collectibles. They appreciate a luxury classic handbag and it's easy to see why. It could be nostalgia, it could be a new interest but the numbers show that 94% of millennials and Gen Zs want to have their little corner of collectibles. 

How Automation Is Erasing Entry Level Opportunities Across Industries

CBX Vibe:

For today’s graduates, the first rung on the career ladder is starting to look like quicksand. The traditional entry-level job, once the bridge between school and the professional world, is rapidly disappearing. Artificial intelligence, automation, and cost-cutting have converged to reshape the job market, and young workers are paying the price. A Stanford study found that employment for workers aged 22 to 25 in AI-exposed fields like software development and customer service has dropped by about 13%, while older, more experienced workers have remained insulated. 

AI Isn't Killing Jobs But It's Creating Them at Startups

CBX Vibe:

Despite fears that artificial intelligence will replace workers, some businesses using the technology are doing the opposite. A recent Mercury survey of 1,500 early-stage entrepreneurs found that 68% of AI adopters are expanding their teams, even as two-thirds of startups report higher-than-expected costs in operations, sales and marketing. Overall, 79% of founders said they plan to increase spending in the year ahead — underscoring resilience and a shift in how AI is shaping growth, Mercury reports. 

Can Buy Now, Pay Later Improve Financial Inclusion Through Credit?

CBX Vibe:

With the rising cost of goods, people may feel that Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) plans can help them buy products they need. Black (46%) and Hispanic/Latino (56%) communities have adopted using BNPL platforms at higher rates within the last year. Though most make their payments on time, the majority of people who use BNPL plans are in debt. Although these plans boast being able to help individuals raise their credit scores, many users do not access these plans for this feature. 

Vibes of the Week

The music business could use a “Different Species” for growth, as told by Offset and Gunna in our CBX Vibes!