Mar 14, 2026

Email 1:

Subject: Podcast: Disruption Clouds Southeast Asia Geoeconomic Agendas

Content:

– Discussion on future major power deals and regional geoeconomic challenges to 2027 and beyond.

– Former international trade lawyer Edmund Sim explains the transition in US trade policy, including the Supreme Court’s recent IEEPA ruling impact.

– Overview of US tariffs evolution from 18%-19% down to 10%-15%, with legal complexities (Sections 122, 232, 301, 338 of Trade Act of 1930) affecting Southeast Asian countries.

– Explanation of ASEAN’s challenges in adapting to US trade policy, including disputes over transshipment rules and de-Sinoizing supply chains.

– Insight into ASEAN’s internal competition and regional integration struggles, emphasis on improving implementation of trade agreements.

– Preview of key upcoming issues in Southeast Asia’s geoeconomic agenda, including digital economy frameworks and sector-specific trade pacts.

– Encouragement to subscribe for full transcript and detailed podcast.

Email 2:

Subject: Need to Know: The 1980s Conflict that Best Mirrors the Current Iran Situation for Markets

Content:

– Analysis of the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, comparing current market effects to the 1980s Iran-Iraq tanker war.

– Explanation why 1970s oil crises analogies are less fitting due to different oil market conditions and US as net exporter.

– Historical data showing significant oil price spikes and S&P 500 resilience during 1980s tanker war disruptions.

– Current market reactions: oil rising to triple digits, S&P 500 down by 3%, and cautious investor sentiment.

– Noted shifts in investor allocations moving away from South Korean and UK equities and small-cap US stocks.

– Upcoming economic data releases and corporate earnings highlights.

– Advice to wait for volatility to ease before committing more capital.

Email 3:

Subject: Axios Pro Rata: PE Performances

Content:

– Data shows private equity (PE) underperformed S&P 500 on median returns for 1 to 15-year periods though outperforming over 20 and 25 years.

– US PE marginally outperforms S&P 500 on 15-year returns.

– Venture capital (VC) offers higher upside potential but greater return dispersion than PE.

– Discussion on distribution challenges; only vintages from 2001-2003 have 2x DPI.

– Emphasis on importance of picking top-tier managers for returns in PE and VC alike.

– News on ongoing and new venture capital and PE deals including startups in AI, cybersecurity, procurement, and robotics.

– Glencore’s renewed interest in acquiring Rio Tinto amidst rising coal prices.

– Recent public offerings, liquidity events, and personnel moves in private equity space.

– U.S. GDP growth revised down to 0.7% in Q4 2025, indicating an economic growth slowdown.

Email 4:

Subject: Money Stuff: The Podcast: Man Not Birds

Content:

– Summary of the latest Money Stuff podcast episode covering various finance topics.

– Discussions include high school quiz bowl, Bill Ackman’s closed-end fund, and the history of CEFs trading at a discount.

– Topics also cover economically attractive working environments, private credit performance fees, and illiquidity premiums.

– Insights into NAV arbitrage, valuation marking in private credit, and markets’ resistance to innovation.

– Invitation to listen via Apple, Spotify, or other podcast platforms.

– Contact info for feedback and newsletter subscription details.

Stay Well!