Apr 01, 2025

I recently came across news regarding the ASEAN Wonk BulletBrief focusing on the evolving BRICS-Southeast Asia links and their wider implications. Indonesia’s interest in joining the New Development Bank (NDB) was highlighted during a meeting between NDB president Dilma Rousseff and Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto. The news also touched on various regional developments, including earthquake aftermath, the China Asia forum, and new upgrade inroads, shedding light on geopolitical, geoeconomic, and security trends in the region.

Shifting to the financial markets, Goldman Sachs has revised its S&P 500 target and raised recession risks due to tariff-induced inflation and lower growth expectations. Elon Musk’s xAI artificial intelligence startup recently acquired the X platform in a $33 billion all-stock deal, creating a new entity called XAI Holdings valued at over $100 billion. This significant move in the AI and social media space underscores the growing synergy between AI companies and social platforms for data and distribution.

The news also covered concerns about FX liquidity amid the rise of electronic trading firms dominating the market, potentially leading to challenges during market stress. In another development, a pump and dump scheme involving Galaxy Digital Holdings and the Luna cryptocurrency raised concerns about transparency in the crypto market and fraudulent practices. Additionally, high-profile fraud cases involving politically connected individuals like Carlos Watson, Trevor Milton, and Charlie Javice highlighted the need for accountability in financial dealings.

Lastly, the NYSE Texas’s rebranding from NYSE Chicago and Trump Media & Technology Group Corp.’s listing of warrants on the NYSE Texas outpost signaled strategic moves in the financial landscape. Rocket Companies’ acquisition of Mr. Cooper for $9.4 billion, CK Hutchison’s shares falling due to Li Ka-shing considering delaying a ports deal, and hedge funds battling over a European lingerie brand were other notable developments. The Trump family’s advancement in crypto initiatives, including Bitcoin mining, and the launch of Bloomberg’s news quiz game Pointed added diversity and intrigue to the financial news landscape.

Stay Well!