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Japan’s Yen Wobbles as Election Gamble Triggers Crisis of Confidence
Japan’s weakening yen has become a focal point of market anxiety as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi heads into a snap election framed around aggressive...
U.S. Poised to Ease Venezuela Oil Sanctions With Broad New License
The United States is preparing to issue a general license that would lift some sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry, marking a significant shift in...
Middle Powers Hedge Against U.S. Under Trump, Reboot Global Trade
Donald Trump’s aggressive trade tactics, exemplified by his Greenland tariff threat, appear to have catalyzed a shift among the world’s “middle powers.” Nations like...
German Investments in China Surge Amid US Trade War Concerns
German companies significantly increased their investments in China in 2025, hitting a four-year high of over €7 billion ($8 billion) from January to November,...
Trump, Minnesota Leaders Seek De-Escalation After Fatal Deportation Shooting
U.S. President Donald Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz struck a more conciliatory tone following a private phone call on Monday, signalling a possible...
Why Trump Is Threatening New Tariffs on South Korea
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on South Korean autos and other goods to 25%, accusing Seoul of failing to implement...
Financial Brief: A Weekly Roundup on the Geopolitics of Money | Jan 27
EXECUTIVE TAKEAWAYS
Markets this week revealed selective amnesia about risk. Asian equities hit records and investors rotated into duration despite Trump hiking South Korean tariffs...
Philippines, US Conduct Joint Sail Near Disputed Scarborough Shoal
The Philippines and the United States have conducted a joint maritime sail in the South China Sea, underscoring growing military cooperation between the two...
Japan Warns US Alliance at Risk Over Taiwan
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has warned that Japan’s security alliance with the United States would effectively collapse if Tokyo failed to respond to...
ICC Rules Former Philippine President Duterte Fit to Stand Pre-Trial Hearings
Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is medically fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings, rejecting...