Apr 11, 2026

Email 1: Review: Will China Weaponization Fuel More Asia Resistance?

– Former senior official Victor Cha co-authors a book on strategies to counter China’s geoeconomic weaponization.

– The book critiques current piecemeal governmental responses and proposes new approaches based on extensive data analysis.

– China’s recent sanctions on a Japanese lawmaker over Taiwan visits illustrate rising geoeconomic tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

– The book has implications for Southeast Asia and broader Indo-Pacific security frameworks.

– Subscribers can access full analysis, data tables, and future implications on ASEAN Wonk.

Email 2: A rare event for the VIX and oil signals a surge for stocks, says Tom Lees

– The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), Wall Street’s fear gauge, fell below 20 for the first time since the Iran-Israel conflict began.

– Tom Lee of Fundstrat sees this as the third confirmation that the stock market’s recent low is behind us.

– Historical patterns show that when VIX dips below 20 after a spike above 30 and oil prices fall, stocks tend to gain significantly within six months.

– Lee forecasts the S&P 500 could reach 7,400 points, reflecting a roughly 9.2% gain over six months.

– Energy and materials sectors downgraded in favor of Magnificent Seven tech stocks, industrials, financials, and small caps amid reduced market fear.

Email 3: Axios Pro Rata: Ties that bind

– Private equity’s dramatic growth is closely linked to the rise of private credit, whose contraction could impact private equity negatively.

– Notable private credit funds face high redemption requests, signaling sector stress.

– Sazerac, bourbon and Fireball maker, has approached Brown-Forman for a takeover amid declining booze sales due to changing consumer habits.

– Numerous venture capital deals and funding rounds reported across AI, health care, automation, and consumer sectors.

– Several notable mergers and acquisitions in sectors ranging from defense to technology and consumer goods detailed.

– U.S. inflation rose in March driven largely by the Iran war, with a 0.9% increase month-over-month and 3.3% year-over-year.

Email 4: Money Stuff: The Podcast: Humiliation Rituals

– Latest episode covers a wide range of finance and tech topics.

– Discussions include Satoshi Nakamoto, identifying liars, Bill Ackman’s recent activities, Universal Music Group, and ETF dynamics.

– Also covered are Elon Musk’s initiatives, SpaceX IPO prospects, market nuances, and IPO pitch stories.

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

– Feedback encouraged via email moneypod@bloomberg.net.

Stay Well!