Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi has cautioned that U.S. businesses are approaching a critical "Cortés moment" in AI adoption, signifying a point of no return. Despite the lack of immediate productivity gains, companies have committed to AI through significant investments and structural changes, potentially reshaping the labor market. FinTech firm Block's recent 40% workforce reduction highlights concerns of widespread job cuts. Zandi predicts a likely scenario of steady expansion driven by AI productivity, though he notes the healthcare sector remains a key job market buffer.