Finance Knuggets
Jan 31, 2026
===Email 1===
Subject: 💥 What the US Dollar hitting a 4-year low, Another Government Shutdown, and Nancy Pelosi’s New Trades Mean for You
Sender: fluentinfinance+finance@substack.com
Dear Reader,
Welcome to your essential update on the financial market landscape. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- US dollar has hit a 4-year low, down 11% over the past year.
- Consumer confidence is crashing, currently at its lowest since May 2014.
- Housing market is showing signs of collapse with purchase agreements cancellations hitting a near decade high.
- Precious metals have surged explosively—gold over $5,500 and silver up 220% in six months.
- The Federal Reserve paused interest rate cuts citing stronger growth but two governors dissented urging cuts.
- Big Tech earnings are polarized with Meta increasing AI spend whereas Microsoft cloud growth slows.
- Risks of another government shutdown soar to nearly 80% with funding deadline looming.
Andrew’s Key Insights:
– Consumer confidence collapsing sparks a doom loop hurting the economy.
– The AI spending phase where “show me the money” rules is underway.
– Investors flee paper assets amid trust erosion, fueling a hard asset rally.
– Fed’s independence under political threat heightens market uncertainty.
Advice:
– Consider allocating 5-15% portfolio into hard assets.
– Stay defensive in real estate; leverage seller desperation.
– Be selective in AI-tech investments; focus on those with actual revenue.
– Increase international stock exposure to diversify and reduce US policy risk.
– Maintain cash reserves amid market unpredictability.
Explore further for insider trade analysis, market updates, and top stock picks.
Stay informed and position yourself wisely during volatile times.
Best,
Andrew Lokenauth
===Email 2===
Subject: Review: Will China Global South Multilateral Strategy Work?
Sender: aseanwonk@substack.com
Hello,
A new book, The Dragon’s Emerging Order, offers deep insights into China’s Sinocentric vision of the Indo-Pacific and global order, moving beyond typical Global South rhetoric.
Highlights:
– China promotes multilateralism but often favors bilateral or unilateral tactics when convenient.
– Beijing is establishing alternative global and regional institutions operating outside the traditional rules-based order.
– The book argues China is shaping a multipolar world with distinct ‘poles’ reflecting its preferences.
Context:
– Statements by Vice-Premier He Lifeng emphasize multilateralism as stabilizing but with pragmatic Chinese interests.
– The work complements recent analyses examining China’s geoeconomic and geopolitical strategies.
This subscription-only piece provides extensive data points, strategic pathways, and implications for global watchers.
Subscribe to ASEAN Wonk for full access and to support insightful geopolitical analyses.
Best regards,
ASEAN Wonk Team
===Email 3===
Subject: Need to Know: Time for an important tweak to the Trump Trade, say these strategists
Sender: reports@marketwatchmail.com
Dear Reader,
The Trump Trade, harnessing policy-driven market moves since 2025, has delivered impressive returns (nearly 29% over six months). However, strategists at Ned Davis Research recommend modifications for 2026.
Key Points:
– Metals and mining ETFs have driven much of recent Trump Trade gains, motivated by trade tensions and strategic supply concerns.
– The 2026 Trump Trade Index will drop cryptocurrency and fintech ETFs due to diminished administration focus and stalled regulation.
– Additions include industrial sectors (XLI), dollar-bearish ETFs (UDN), home construction (ITB), and short-term Treasury shorts (TBF) reflecting growing mistrust in US Treasuries amid geopolitical risks.
– Notably, they suggest removing the “Magnificent Seven” tech ETF reflecting peak growth concerns and less favorable political climate for Big Tech.
Market Snapshot:
– Major indices show modest weekly gains; Treasury yields rising.
– Oil prices up due to geopolitical tensions; precious metals correcting after strong rally.
Recommendations:
– Prepare for shifts in sector leadership.
– Monitor geopolitical and regulatory developments impacting investment trends.
Stay tuned for updated market strategies.
Best,
MarketWatch Team
===Email 4===
Subject: Axios Pro Rata: Elonomys
Sender: dan@axios.com
Good Morning,
Here’s your briefing on today’s key developments:
- President Trump nominates Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair, a pick highlighted for his persuasive skills and background.
- BlackRock’s Panama Canal port deal now uncertain after Panama’s Supreme Court voids contract amid geopolitical frictions involving Chinese interests.
- IPO pipeline heats up with AI innovators like OpenAI and Databricks eyed for public offerings, including potential for direct listings.
- Venture capital moves: Notable raises in robotics, biotech, AI platforms, crypto trading platforms, and others.
- Speculation surrounds Elon Musk’s possible merger of SpaceX with Tesla or xAI, with strategic benefits tied to AI, orbital data centers, and clean energy.
- Latest M&A news, fundraising activities, leadership moves, and personnel updates across VC and PE sectors.
Catch all the detailed insights in Axios Pro Rata and stay ahead in the deal making and tech cycles.
Warm regards,
Dan Primack, Axios
===Email 5===
Subject: Money Stuff: The Podcast: Elevated Shepherd’s Pies
Sender: noreply@news.bloomberg.com
Hello,
The latest episode of Money Stuff: The Podcast is live!
This week:
– Morgan’s Pub discussion
– Elon Musk’s SpaceX and xAI merger talks
– Twitter’s notable $1.5 trillion valuation
– Fascinating dives into astrology, numerology, and the lunar year themes
– Analysis on Tether’s unique resources and gold vault tourism
– Insights into law firm conflicts and investment banking culture
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.
We would love your feedback at moneypod@bloomberg.net.
Best wishes,
Money Stuff Podcast Team
Stay Well!
