Mar 17, 2026

Email 1 Summary:

– Subject: Bridge Builder Pitch in Philippines UN Security Council Bid

– Content: The Philippines, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is pitching for a seat on the United Nations Security Council amid ongoing ASEAN chairmanship and complex geopolitical tensions. The pitch highlights regional cooperation challenges, including twin new US trade probe launches, defense collaborations, critical minerals pacts, missile deal activity, cyber law developments, and new data center certifications. The piece emphasizes shifting regional security and economic partnerships, with ASEAN ministers expressing concerns about global trade unilateralism and economic outlook uncertainties. Additional insights include China’s influence operations, Australia’s strategic repositioning, and the peace process in the Bangsamoro region of the Philippines.

Email 2 Summary:

– Subject: The trades to make as the Iran war drags on, according to Goldman Sachs

– Content: Goldman Sachs analysts warn of elevated risks to the U.S. stock market due to prolonged U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict and sustained higher oil prices causing economic slowdown. They project possible significant declines in the S&P 500 index—with moderate and severe scenarios forecasting drops to 6,300 and 5,400 respectively. The firm advises shifting investments toward secular growth sectors (like healthcare and materials) instead of cyclical stocks linked to middle-income consumers or construction. Cybersecurity stocks and green energy companies, particularly solar, are favored for their resilience and growth potential amid this environment. The report also notes the current market’s volatility and investor nervousness exemplified by option pricing discrepancies.

Email 3 Summary:

– Subject: Axios Pro Rata: Affinity marketings

– Content: Jared Kushner’s private equity firm, Affinity Partners, founded post-White House tenure with Middle Eastern sovereign backing, is raising fresh funds while navigated complex geopolitics including involvement in Middle East conflicts and negotiations with Iran. Although dismissed early on as leveraging political connections, Affinity shows promising internal performance metrics (36% gross IRR). The firm recently participated in major deals like the $55 billion EA buyout alongside Saudi PIF. Upcoming fundraising efforts involve contractual discussions with Saudi PIF due to “first-look” rights. Additionally, UniCredit launched a €35 billion takeover bid for Commerzbank, potentially triggering mandatory takeover offers per German law and sparking consolidation debates in European banking. The newsletter also covers venture capital, private equity deals, M&A activity, and public market updates.

Email 4 Summary:

– Subject: Money Stuff: Make the Predictions Come True

– Content: The newsletter discusses potential market manipulation using news as a financial “oracle,” highlighting how false or misleading stories can influence security prices and prediction market outcomes. It details threats and bribes directed at journalists to alter reporting on politically sensitive issues, illustrating the risks of intertwining journalism and financial markets. The report explains various ways retail investors gain exposure to private companies like SpaceX through SPVs, forwards, and complex structures, warning of risks including fraud. It covers shareholder activism, particularly the regulatory push to limit small shareholders’ ability to submit proposals. Other topics include tariff refund lawsuits against retailers like Costco, debates over discounted tender offers for Blue Owl Capital’s funds, anecdotes on unusual financial signals such as executives’ watches, and various market happenings including asset sales, loan offerings, and financial rule changes.

Stay Well!