Feb 21, 2026

Email 1:

Subject: Podcast: Middle Power Call and Europe Southeast Asia Futures

Content:

– Discussion on Europe’s strategy in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific amid global multipolar shifts.

– Europe pursuing geoeconomic deals with India, Mercosur, Indonesia as part of diversification away from reliance on the U.S.

– Europe positioning itself as an independent middle power pole with significant military capabilities (UK, France, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Turkey).

– Southeast Asian countries view Europe as a reliable strategic and economic partner, offering technology, trade markets, and emerging defense cooperation.

– Future cooperation areas include green economy, digital economy, supply chains, and economic security strategies, with attention to the 2027 EU upgrade deadline.

Email 2:

Subject: Need to Know: The economy just flashed yet another Goldilocks signals

Content:

– Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey indicates a “Goldilocks” economy with decent growth and slowing inflation.

– US economy showing improving momentum after last year’s slowdown; industrial production and manufacturing reports improved.

– Market focus: Favoring cyclical and value-focused sectors over growth stocks, with mixed equity and bond performance.

– Upcoming data releases include GDP, personal income, PCE inflation, PMI, new-home sales, consumer sentiment.

– Additional market news touches on possible US limited strike on Iran, major company earnings, and developments in high-yield savings and ETFs.

Email 3:

Subject: Axios Pro Rata: Surprise IPOs

Content:

– Cross River Bank, venture-backed and valued over $3 billion, plans an IPO; first such bank debut in years.

– Jollibee Foods acquires majority stake in Korean hot pot chain All Day Fresh for $87 million; prepping 2027 US IPO for the international division.

– Multiple venture capital and private equity funding rounds including defense code translation startup Code Metal ($125m Series B), Canadian chipmaker Taalas ($169m raise), AI meeting assistant Jump ($80m Series B).

– Numerous acquisitions and investments in healthcare, infrastructure, and tech sectors.

– Pharma licensing deals with China are rising, targeting cancer, diabetes, and obesity therapies.

Email 4:

Subject: Arbitrary U.S. Tariffs Are Gone. What’s Next?

Content:

– Supreme Court ruling invalidates President’s use of emergency authority (IEEPA) for arbitrary tariffs; significant revenues collected under these tariffs will require refunds.

– Remaining tariff authorities remain: trade act Sections 201, 232, and 301 unaffected.

– Administration intends to impose temporary 10% global tariffs to compensate for lost revenue, limited to 150 days.

– Economic data show tariffs largely paid by US importers due to weak foreign price reductions and a declining dollar.

– Impact: Tariffs acted as taxes reducing spending power and failed to reduce US trade deficit or boost domestic production meaningfully.

– Conclusion: Loss of arbitrary tariff powers limits executive overreach; inflation pressures continue but tariffs are not a major driver.

Stay Well!