Jan 17, 2026

Email 1 Summary:

Subject: Review: Will New Military Strategy Defend Taiwan from China?

– An ex-military chief’s new book, “Defending Our Island Home,” presents an updated defense strategy for Taiwan against China.

– The book calls for a paradigm shift in Taiwan’s national defense approach, moving beyond traditional asymmetric capabilities and overreliance on arms sales.

– It details how Taiwan can best leverage its limited resources to defend itself against the world’s second most powerful military.

– The review also highlights broader Indo-Pacific regional and global geopolitical implications.

– The discussion is set in the context of recent US arms sales to Taiwan and corresponding ASEAN member state positions.

– Subscriber-only content offers in-depth analysis of strategic pillars and future scenarios.

Email 2 Summary:

Subject: Need to Know: The fragile AI ecosystem headlines five main market risks this year

– Market strategist Scott Helfstein identifies five key risks for markets in 2026, including fragile AI supply chains.

– Taiwan’s dominance in semiconductor manufacturing, especially TSMC, poses a critical risk to AI progress due to geopolitical tensions with China.

– Other risks include Federal Reserve policy credibility, global trade tensions, geopolitical impacts from Venezuela, and domestic U.S. partisan issues.

– AI infrastructure growth faces constraints from energy and water needs, regulatory scrutiny, and material shortages (copper, rare earths).

– Supply disruptions could hurt AI companies but benefit some miners and the energy sector.

– The email includes stock market performance updates and notable company moves.

Email 3 Summary:

Subject: Axios Pro Rata: Trump ROIs

– Discusses the impact of President Trump’s policy of U.S. government equity investments in private companies.

– Such deals have notably increased the market value of involved public companies (average share price hike of 85% after announcements).

– Highlights pending merger talks between Devon Energy and Coterra Energy, aiming to create a large independent shale producer.

– Covers recent venture capital, private equity, and M&A deals in sectors like AI, automation, energy, cybersecurity, and gaming.

– Includes fundraising rounds for many startups and personnel changes in private equity firms.

– Promotes Goldman Sachs’ 2026 M&A outlook and Axios Pro Deals subscription for deeper deal insights.

Email 4 Summary:

Subject: Money Stuff: The Podcast: Key Beast Risks

– Announcement of the latest episode of Money Stuff podcast hosted by Katie and the author.

– Topics include Beast Industries, immersion in cool liquids, crypto treasury strategies, credit card rate caps, PowerPoint tips, and drug trial insider trading.

– Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and other platforms.

– Listeners are encouraged to give feedback via email.

– This email is part of the Bloomberg Money Stuff newsletter series.

Stay Well!