Dec 25, 2025

1. Email 1 Summary – Podcast on 2026 US-China Geoeconomic Dynamics:
2. The ASEAN Wonk Podcast features Matthew Goodman discussing US-China relations and geoeconomic developments expected in 2026.
3. Key topics include US tariff policies, evolving trade agreements with countries like Malaysia and Cambodia, and US-China dealmaking.
4. The podcast highlights China’s upcoming hosting of APEC and the US chairing the G-20, as well as broader issues like economic statecraft and regional cooperation.
5. Goodman notes the unpredictability of US trade policy under the “Trump 2.0” administration, the strategic components in trade deals related to economic security, and shifts in multilateralism.
6. The discussion covers the outcomes of the recent APEC summit in South Korea, the utility and challenges of multilateral forums, and expectations for China’s APEC leadership in 2026.

7. Paid subscribers can access the full transcript and video podcast.

8. Email 2 Summary – Updates from Joseph Politano and Andrew Lokenauth:

9. Joseph Politano and Andrew Lokenauth have posted new notes on their Substack linked in the email.
10. Topics mentioned include US blue-collar job trends post-pandemic, Costco’s innovative housing developments above stores addressing affordable housing, and mortgage cost trends.

11. These posts provide timely insights into economic and social issues affecting labor markets and housing.

12. Email 3 Summary – Asian Business Review Highlights:

13. The newsletter discusses key energy and technology trends in Asia for 2026.
14. Highlights include nuclear ships reducing fuel and carbon costs by $68 million annually, grid infrastructure constraints becoming a prime concern, and rapid growth of thermal energy storage markets.
15. Other topics include the expansion of geothermal heat pumps, bifacial solar markets, and an active M&A environment with US$4.8 trillion total deal value.
16. The report also notes weakening Australian gas demand and strong insurance sector hiring in Hong Kong.

17. Upcoming event announcements and sponsored content featuring digital transformation and AI security complete the issue.

18. Email 4 Summary – MarketWatch “Need to Know” Market Update:

19. Nvidia shares are rebounding strongly, contributing to optimism in the tech-heavy Nasdaq and S&P 500 indices.
20. Technical analysis suggests potential for Nvidia to reach $220 in the coming weeks, with broader tech sector gains anticipated.
21. Rising copper prices are highlighted, reaching $12,000 a ton for the first time, reflecting supply constraints, strong demand for electrification and technology applications.
22. Market commentary suggests continuing strength for the S&P 500 but also signals to watch for technical resistance and possible corrections.

23. Other notable developments include news on Apple CEO share purchases, Intel and Nvidia chip manufacturing cooperation, and corporate moves by BP, UiPath, and others.

24. Email 5 Summary – Fluent in Finance Newsletter on Markets, Commodities & AI:

25. Provides an in-depth analysis of the current market environment, describing a “K-shaped” economy with diverging fortunes.
26. Highlights a strong but unstable stock market fueled by AI investments, consumer spending boosted by temporary EV tax credit effects, and a surge in safe-haven assets like gold and silver.
27. Metals like gold ($4,500/oz), silver (above $70/oz), and copper (above $12,000/ton) hit historic highs driven by geopolitical risks, central bank buying, and industrial demand.
28. Discusses the risks and euphoric phase of the AI investment boom, with large spending by companies like OpenAI and related cloud and chip makers.
29. Notes significant weakness in consumer sentiment despite headline GDP growth, warning of underlying economic stress.
30. Specific stocks to watch include Structure Therapeutics, Hycroft Mining, Rocket Lab, Unusual Machines, and Novo Nordisk.
31. Technical and sentiment analyses indicate a near-term bullish trend with caution advised.
32. Calls for banning insider trading by politicians are also included as a social commentary aspect.

Stay Well!