Aug 26, 2025

I recently learned about the ASEAN Navy Exercise AMNEX 2025, where ASEAN countries engaged in a rare multilateral naval exercise. Discussions during the exercise touched on sensitive issues like maritime coercion and grey zone tactics, providing insight into evolving geopolitical and security trends in the region. A new 2026 defense pact, trade deal, and military construction were announced, shedding light on future supply chain trajectories and industry developments.

In the financial market, small-cap stocks surged after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at a September rate cut. The move in small-cap stocks, supported by rising earnings trends, is closely monitored by analysts for key milestones like price-to-earnings ratios. Keurig Dr Pepper’s acquisition of JDE Peet’s for $18 billion is a prelude to a mega-split that will reshape the nonalcoholic beverage market, with plans to split into two independent, publicly traded companies.

In terms of funding and acquisitions, there were significant deals led by PSV Tech, private equity acquisitions like Centerfield acquiring ConsumerVoice, and public offerings such as AA Mission Acquisition II filing for a $100m IPO. Liquidity events included Databricks acquiring Tecton and Tempus AI acquiring Paige, while President Trump and Intel finalized a deal for the U.S. government to acquire a 9.9% stake in the chipmaker.

There were also reports of Mullen Automotive Inc. facing delisting from the Nasdaq due to stock trading below $1 per share, despite implementing multiple reverse stock splits. Private equity sponsors are exploring options like continuation and leveraged continuation funds to address challenges in selling acquired companies. An unusual bribery attempt involving a former NYC mayoral adviser trying to bribe a reporter with cash in a red envelope inside a bag of potato chips highlighted creative influence tactics. Various financial news snippets, from private equity fundraising decline to weather traders hedging against a German wind drought, provided insights into the dynamic financial landscape.

Stay Well!