May 10, 2025

I recently came across a podcast discussing the impact of tariffs in Asia on the geoeconomic agendas in the region. The conversation highlighted the trends towards minilateral and sectoral agreements as a response to challenges within the multilateral trading system. Dr. Denis Hew provided insights on the state of regional economic architecture and the focus on next-generation trade and investment issues in forums like APEC.

There were discussions on the connection between small minilateral agreements and the broader vision of a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP), as well as the role of the Indo-Pacific concept in geoeconomics. China’s efforts towards a zero tariff policy and proactive trade initiatives were also examined, emphasizing the country’s positioning in regional trade forums. The podcast shed light on the evolving geoeconomic dynamics in Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

I also read about the potential impact of President Trump’s policies on prices, with reports of panic-buying and increased retail sales in March. Concerns were raised by Goldman Sachs about the risk of a significant drop in stocks, with a 45% chance of a U.S. recession within the next 12 months. The article highlighted the uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs and provided insights on what to consider amidst the financial anxiety.

In other news, allegations were made against a Canadian asset manager by a Silicon Valley investor, raising concerns about transparency in fund management. Nestlé’s decision to sell its bottled water business through Rothschild and several mergers and acquisitions in the financial world, including Cantor Fitzgerald’s talks to acquire hedge fund manager O’Connor from UBS, were also notable developments. Overall, the financial sector appears active with companies looking to expand and streamline their operations through various acquisitions and changes in personnel.

Stay Well!