Finance Knuggets
Feb 13, 2026
Here are the summaries and key notable topics from the first 5 emails:
Email 1: Andrew Lokenauth and Joseph Politano posted new notes
– Andrew and Joseph shared recent notes on financial and economic topics via Substack.
– Andrew discusses personal credit score experiences and salary realities.
– Joseph highlights a 300% increase in data center construction since 2022 and increases in Taiwanese electronics imports.
– The email invites readers to explore more of their insights on the Substack app.
Email 2: Don’t miss your chance to stand out at the SBR Awards 2026
– Reminder and call for nominations for the SBR Awards 2026, held in Singapore on April 14, 2026.
– Instructions on how to submit entries: choose category, prepare 500-word write-up, fill nomination form with project details and photos.
– Deadline for submissions is February 20, 2026.
– Contact provided for inquiries regarding awards.
Email 3: Need to Know – Research firm on AI and raw materials trade
– Citrini Research, known for early AI trend predictions, asserts the next big trade opportunity lies in raw materials critical for AI infrastructure and defense.
– Focus on materials like uranium, titanium, tungsten, aluminum, carbon fiber, and electrical steel amid rising demand due to AI, electrification, aerospace, and defense sectors.
– Highlights key companies such as Solstice Advanced Materials, Kennametal, Posco Holdings, and Nippon Steel.
– Discusses challenges like supply chain constraints and geopolitical issues affecting these materials.
– Suggests the importance of companies producing raw materials and mining equipment to benefit from upcoming capex waves.
Email 4: Axios Pro Rata: Undercorn stampedes and asset management deals
– Discusses the rise of “undercorns” – companies previously unicorn-valued now below $1 billion, indicating shifts in venture capital valuations.
– Highlights Nuveen’s $9.9 billion cash acquisition of British asset manager Schroders, creating a major active asset management company.
– Covers significant venture capital and private equity deals, including major funding rounds in robotics, AI startups, pet insurance, pharmaceuticals, and industrial tech.
– Touches on IPO updates and liquidity events for various companies.
– Shares personnel moves and fundraising news in the asset management and venture capital sectors.
Email 5: Money Stuff – Insider Trading on Wars and AI social engineering risks
– Explores nuances of insider trading, emphasizing the ethical breach of using confidential information without permission, particularly in financial markets.
– Highlights a case from Israel involving army reservists allegedly using classified military info to bet on Polymarket prediction markets concerning military operations.
– Discusses the challenges and implications of prediction markets on national security and information leaks.
– Addresses concerns around bond index funds increasingly loading on heavily indebted but creditworthy Big Tech bonds due to AI infrastructure financing, possibly reducing index risk profiles.
– Profiles Jerry Schlichter, a prominent lawyer known for lawsuits over imprudent retirement plan investments including 401(k)s.
– Looks at the valuation premiums on SPVs that allow individual investors access to private company shares like SpaceX, and the risks and rewards involved.
– Discusses potential future risks of AI social engineering where AI agents could be manipulated via psychological tactics to commit financial crimes or other abuses.
– Summarizes recent financial and economic news snippets, including debt market revolts, corporate sales, IPO developments, and regulatory shifts.
If you would like, I can provide detailed insights on any specific email or topic mentioned.
Stay Well!
