Jan 24, 2026

Email 1: Review – Where Next in Second Eurasian Century Forecasting?

– A new book, The Eurasian Century by Hal Brands, analyzes futures of the world’s supercontinent and major power competition in a second Eurasian century.

– Eurasia connects Europe and Asia, covers over one-third of Earth’s land, and holds about 70% of the global population.

– The book argues the century’s trajectory will be shaped by Eurasian rivalry, moving beyond traditional hot and cold wars.

– Book joins other works on the Eurasian future by Bruno Macaes and Nadege Rolland.

– This analysis includes key datapoints to watch and strategic pathways shaping geopolitical futures.

– Access to full analysis and implications requires a paid subscription at ASEAN Wonk.

Email 2: The case for a U.S. bear market is building, says Longview Economics

– Despite a recent quick stock market rebound, Longview Economics warns of growing risks for a U.S. secular equity bear market.

– Factors fueling concern include extremely high stock valuations (Shiller CAPE ratio near record highs) and record levels of stock ownership in U.S. household finances and pensions.

– Political unpredictability and threats such as tariffs and tax risks against foreign investors undermine transatlantic relations and U.S. market confidence.

– Past secular bear markets followed similar patterns of peak valuations and ownership in 1968 and 1999.

– While still overweight U.S. equities tactically, Longview advises diversification as concerns mount.

Email 3: Axios Pro Rata – TikTok U.S. divestiture, Brex acquisition, and major VC funding news

– ByteDance completed U.S. divestiture of TikTok to investors including Silver Lake, Oracle, and others, ending a multi-year saga.

– Capital One Financial agreed to acquire fintech startup Brex for $5.15 billion in cash and stock.

– Several big funding rounds were raised by open-source AI firms and various startups in biotech, hospitality tech, cybersecurity, and AI chip technology.

– Notable deals include large funding for Corxel, Mews, Claroty, Inferact, Neurophos, LiveKit, and others.

– Multiple public offerings, SPAC IPO filings, acquisitions, and fundraising announcements across tech, biotech, and finance sectors.

– OpenAI is discussing raising $50 billion at a valuation up to $830 billion, potentially reaching $1 trillion privately by next year.

Email 4: Money Stuff: The Podcast – Weekly discussion topics

– New episode covers a wide range of finance and technology topics including:

– Weather and Jamie Dimon’s whereabouts

– Guinness latte art at JPMorgan pub

– Debanking and memecoin dynamics

– Blockchain technology

– Moonshot pay incentives

– Around-the-clock trading

– Supervision of trading computers during night shifts

– Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are found.

– Listeners invited to provide feedback at moneypod@bloomberg.net

Stay Well!