Jun 21, 2025

I recently came across news about a new volume that delves into the complexities of the Indo-Pacific maritime domain, focusing on areas like the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. The book highlights the challenges faced in this region, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to maritime security. It also provides insights into the perspectives of 18 Indo-Pacific countries on maritime security issues.

Financial strategists at UBS have raised concerns about the stock market’s high valuations and the potential risks of an economic slowdown. They point out the overoptimistic earnings forecasts and stretched valuations, particularly in the tech sector. The strategists suggest increasing exposure to defensive stocks and caution against chasing the current market rally.

There are discussions about proposed tax changes in the United States that could impact the innovation economy. Silicon Valley is advocating for the revival of a favorable tax benefit related to R&D costs, which could benefit startups and Big Tech companies. The changes aim to accelerate deductions for larger companies and provide significant implications for the innovation sector.

Meta is reportedly in advanced talks to hire top executives for its new AI lab and take a stake in their venture capital firm. This move is seen as part of Meta’s strategy to strengthen its position in the AI space, reflecting the growing importance of artificial intelligence technologies in today’s tech landscape.

In terms of funding news, DESKi, a French maker of cardiac imaging software, secured €5.2m in seed funding, while TAC, a DeFi startup, raised $5m. SaturnX, a stablecoin infrastructure startup, raised $3m, and Nook, a crypto-focused savings app, raised $2.5m. Additionally, there were notable private equity deals and M&A activities reported in the financial world.

Stay Well!