Jul 15, 2025

I recently read about the ASEAN unveiling new major power efforts amid tariff realities. Ministerial meetings were held to discuss trade breakthroughs, infrastructure termination, artificial intelligence hub launches, and more. The geopolitical and geoeconomic significance of the outcomes was highlighted, along with regional developments such as a new nuclear pact and evolving security trends. Discussions on demographic doom fears, tariff talks, and digital divides shed light on economic and demographic realities facing the region.

Additionally, Morgan Stanley strategists discussed the resilience of stocks to tariff news, highlighting potential risks associated with tariff rates on China and Mexico. The passage of the tax bill and its impact on corporate tax rates was explored. In other news, Bonus Homes, a home equity sharing startup, raised $15.5 million in seed funding, reflecting the trend of Americans tapping into their homes for cash.

I learned that Windsurf’s deal to be acquired by OpenAI for $3 billion fell through, with CEO Varun Mohan joining Google in a deal worth $2.4 billion. In the venture capital world, xAI is seeking a $200 billion valuation, while Groq is in talks to raise between $300 million and $500 million. Private equity deals included AURELIUS acquiring DCC’s Info Tech business and a bid for WK Kellogg by Cerberus Capital Management and Dean Metropoulos.

Elon Musk faced potential conflicts of interest due to his involvement in another company he owns, raising concerns about conflicted transactions at Tesla. Silicon Valley startup acquisitions by big tech companies like Google and Meta were also discussed, focusing on changes in acquisition approaches due to antitrust scrutiny. The concept of tokenization in the financial industry and Sonnet BioTherapeutics’ business combination agreement were also highlighted in recent news.

Stay Well!