Business
China cannot escape the energy shock
Despite expanding renewables and stockpiles, China remains vulnerable to energy disruptions, facing inevitable turmoil.
The Iran war is roiling commodities far beyond oil
The Iran conflict is disrupting global commodity markets beyond oil, causing fuel and chemical shortages that threaten industries ranging from farming to pharmaceuticals.
Why investors won’t know what to make of AI for a while
Markets struggle to price technological revolutions, leaving AI’s elusive valuation unclear for investors. This uncertainty means clarity on AI’s true worth remains out of reach for now.
Liquefied natural gas: the overlooked economic chokepoint
Liquefied natural gas represents a hidden economic vulnerability. With limited options to replace Gulf sources, this overlooked chokepoint poses significant risks.
Donald Trump’s options to cool oil prices are sorely limited
Trump’s strategy to lower oil prices requires high sophistication. His options to dampen costs are severely restricted.
Time to buy the most rubbish stocks you can find
The article advocates investing in the worst possible stocks, framing the rush to junk as a strategic opportunity. It suggests buying the most rubbish assets available for potential gain.
The Iran energy shock reverberates across financial markets
Investors compare the Iran energy shock to Russia’s Ukraine invasion, fearing similar market destabilization.
The Iran war puts Asia in an energy panic
The Iran conflict triggers an Asian energy panic as stranded Gulf supplies choke regional economies.
Would America be in recession without the super-rich?
The U.S. economy exhibits a K-shaped recovery, where the wealthy thrive while others struggle, challenging the notion of a uniform recession.
To understand why countries grow, look at their firms
National growth stems from firm-level dynamics, offering a "third path" in development economics. This approach shifts focus from macro policies to the internal capabilities and strategies of individual companies.
India’s economy is not as big as economists thought
India’s economic output exceeds previous estimates, yet its expansion rate remains more rapid.
Americans’ electricity bills are up. Don’t blame AI
U.S. electricity costs are rising, but AI is not the cause. In fact, data centers help keep rates lower than they would otherwise be.
European pensions are a $30trn missed opportunity
Europe’s $30 trillion pension gap represents a massive missed opportunity. Adopting the Dutch model could help close this critical funding shortfall.
Why war isn’t always good for defence stocks
Defense stocks thrive only when governments seek moderate armament levels, avoiding both excessive accumulation and severe shortages.
The nightmare war scenario is becoming reality in energy markets
Gulf conflict intensifies global economic impact as a dreaded war scenario unfolds in energy markets.
War in Iran could cause the biggest oil shock in years
Iran conflict could trigger a major oil shock. Prices have spiked sharply and are likely to remain elevated for the foreseeable future.
America’s trade chaos is just beginning
Tariff disputes will dominate politics through Trump’s term and persist long after, marking the start of enduring U.S. trade turmoil.
Protectionists dislike trade and migration. And capital flows?
Protectionists oppose trade and migration, but capital flow stagnation stems not from restrictions, but from other factors.
Why Chinese people spend so much on food
Chinese food spending reflects deep cultural values and historical scarcity, prioritizing quality and social connection. This enduring tradition blends heritage with modern economic status.
America’s welfare state is more European than you think
America’s welfare state increasingly mirrors Europe’s, as state-level initiatives fill gaps left by inadequate federal support.