Finance Knuggets
Apr 09, 2026
Email 1:
Subject: Joseph Politano and Andrew Lokenauth posted new notes
Content:
Joseph Politano and Andrew Lokenauth recently shared insights on US job data and key economic updates. Highlights include new non-farm payrolls of +178k and an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jerome Powell noted effectively zero net job creation in the private sector. Maine is set to become the first US state to ban new data centers until late 2027 with bipartisan support, a move several other states are following. For detailed discussions and analysis, see their latest notes on the Substack platform.
Email 2:
Subject: Top companies honoured in Malaysia | Singapore job postings fall 4.5% | CVF bloc leads solar uptakes
Content:
The 2026 Malaysia National Business Awards and International Business Awards recognized leading companies for innovation and technology excellence. Singapore saw a 4.5% decline in job postings in February, hitting a five-year low, although demand remains strong in pharmacy and sports sectors. The CVF bloc surpasses the US in electrotechnology transitions, driving high solar uptake. Other highlights include the growth of ethical consumerism in beauty, Greater China manufacturing expansion despite cost increases, and projections of the APAC mobile services market exceeding $347 billion by 2030 led by 5G adoption.
Email 3:
Subject: Why investors should be wary of jumping into the cease-fire rally for stocks
Content:
Following the U.S.-Iran cease-fire, there has been a strong stock market rally with the S&P 500 recovering significantly. However, caution is advised by experts like Goldman Sachs’ Rich Privorotsky, who warns the rally may be premature due to the fragility of the cease-fire and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Market momentum and algorithmic trading may push prices up temporarily, but a sustainable rally requires stable oil prices and reduced inflation pressures. Investors should carefully consider risks before chasing current highs.
Email 4:
Subject: Axios Pro Rata: Crisis averted
Content:
President Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, potentially averting massive conflict and safeguarding the defense-tech sector. This truce preserves venture capital interest in defense technology startups, which surged funding from $520 million in 2020 to nearly $7 billion last year. Additionally, American Ocean Minerals is poised to merge with Odyssey Marine Exploration, focusing on deep-sea polymetallic nodules essential for battery and security applications. The newsletter also covers notable venture capital funding rounds, private equity acquisitions, and upcoming tech industry events.
Email 5:
Subject: The Backlash to “SaaS Is Dead” is Starting
Content:
Ben Cole highlights growing pushback against the narrative that “SaaS is dead,” noting that despite hype around AI and vibe coding, adoption in finance and accounting remains gradual due to the importance of data quality and structure. SaaS users are experimenting cautiously with AI workflow automation. The newsletter also includes insights into finance scaling more efficiently with fewer staff using integrated SaaS platforms (e.g., Maxio), updates on SaaS finance events, and case studies in SaaS adaptability and customer-driven customization. A free 14-day trial of SoftwareMetrics.ai is now offered.
Email 6:
Subject: Money Stuff: Robot Retail Investors
Content:
This edition explores the influence of investor psychology and automated trading in retail investing, such as the use of AI agents that enact predefined trading strategies including stop-loss orders and dip buying. The rise of AI-powered retail investment tools from brokerages like Public suggests automated behaviors could amplify market effects. The newsletter also discusses investigative reporting on Bitcoin’s creator Satoshi Nakamoto, challenges in auditing physical inventories that AI has yet to solve, and recent market trends such as losses in dispersion trades due to heightened stock correlations amid geopolitical events. Additional topics include notable market and merger news, as well as thoughts on the impact of the Iran ceasefire.
Stay Well!
