KOREAN PENINSULA: New administration works to strengthen cooperation with Seoul
US Secretary of State Tony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Seoul on Wednesday, 17 March for meetings with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Defense Minister Suh Wook, including a 2+2 meeting with all four officials on 18 March. Whi… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
BRAZIL: Bolsonaro still in denial as pandemic reaches its worst moment
Brazil has reached Covid-19 global epicenter status, but it is unlikely that President Jair Bolsonaro will change his denialist rhetoric on the importance of mask-wearing, social isolation, or lockdowns. It was hoped that following the re-emergence of former president Luiz Inacio… Become a member to read the rest of this article
NETHERLANDS: No alternative to Rutte’s course
As widely expected, PM Mark Rutte has won the 17 March Dutch elections, gaining a fourth term after a decade in office. Some final district results are still being counted, but it appears that Rutte’s center-right Liberals (VVD) won two additional seats, taking him to 35 members … Become a member to read the […]
EUROPE: CEE PULSE
The Covid-19 pandemic is spreading swiftly across the region, and most countries have been forced to introduce strict countrywide or regional lockdowns. Despite soaring infections, the general elections in Bulgaria remain scheduled for 4 April. In the Czech Republic, the parliame… Become a member to read the rest of this article
MEXICO: Energy nationalism and salvo against mining add to investor concerns
This week was always likely to see some anti-business rhetoric or gesture from President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) given that today, 18 March, is the anniversary of the 1938 nationalization of the oil sector. To mark the day, AMLO is in the oil-producing Tabasco, his hom… Become a member to read the rest […]
ASIA: Weekly politics update
Below is the weekly update of political developments across East Asia. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss any of the countries mentioned in more detail. US/CHINA: Commerce Department subpoenas signal Biden approach to China tech The US Commerce Departme… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
EUROPE: Managing the pandemic – what we are watching
This updated weekly piece provides snapshots of how selected European governments are dealing with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss any of the countries mentioned in more detail. Graph of the week France … Become a member to read the rest of this […]
Update On My Recommended Trades
Recommended Open And Closed Trades I have not put out an update since the beginning of the year won my recommended trades so, I thought it was about time. So here goes. I am currently positioning for three themes: Exponential Rebound in US Economic Growth I am positioning for… Become a member to read […]
INDONESIA: Why the sovereign wealth fund could punch well above its weight
The new sovereign fund will have a modest capitalization initially, but its investment priorities will signal the government’s priorities. Whether the fund will evolve into a politically-directed entity or an effective catalyst for foreign and private investment is the m… Become a member to read the rest of this article
TANZANIA: Presidential succession legally straightforward, politically messy
Late on 17 March, Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced on state broadcaster TBC that President John Magufuli had passed away from heart complications at a Dar es Salaam hospital. Ending nearly three weeks of speculation over the president’s health and whereabouts, Maguful… Become a member to read the rest of this article