Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the structural changes in Japan's asset market, particularly the yen and Japanese government bonds, in the context of the global shift from a unipolar to a multipolar order, which is reshaping the pricing logic of global assets [2][4][25]. Group 1: Japan's Geopolitical Role - Japan's geopolitical position has evolved through two main phases: during the Cold War, it served as a critical support for the U.S. in Asia, and in the post-Cold War unipolar order, its value shifted to the financial domain [12][21]. - In the Cold War, Japan acted as a supply base for U.S. military activities and showcased Western capitalist values, while in the unipolar era, it became a capital-rich nation that provided a stable low-interest environment for U.S. capital [12][14]. Group 2: Impact of Global Order Changes - The transition to a multipolar world has diminished the U.S.'s reliance on Japan as a financial lever, as the U.S. faces a decline in hard power and a slowdown in foreign asset expansion [21][24]. - Japan's role is being pushed to the forefront of geopolitical competition, increasing its associated risks and undermining its status as a safe asset [3][21]. Group 3: Market Reactions and Future Outlook - Despite short-term government interventions stabilizing market sentiment, the underlying fundamentals of the yen and Japanese bonds remain fragile due to geopolitical shifts [4][24]. - The ongoing dissolution of the unipolar order and the rise of multipolarity will continue to influence global financial markets, leading to a trend of "de-securitization" of Japanese assets [25][26].

Core Viewpoint - The future trends of A-shares and gold can be summarized as "bull market with sharp declines," while assets like the US dollar and yen are characterized by "bear market with false rallies" [2][13]. A-shares Market Analysis - A-shares experienced a rapid rise followed by a sharp decline, which may serve as a preview for the entire year's performance. The China Securities Regulatory Commission's 2026 work meeting emphasized three key points: 1. "Consolidate the market's stable upward momentum," indicating a positive outlook for further market growth [4]. 2. "Timely reverse cycle adjustments," focusing on strict enforcement against excessive speculation and market manipulation to prevent large fluctuations [4]. 3. "Enhance the inclusiveness and adaptability of the multi-tiered equity market," highlighting the importance of the stock market in supporting the real economy and high-quality development [4]. - The overall trend of a bull market remains intact, but attention should be paid to the potential for emotional pullbacks following rapid price increases, reflecting the "bull market with sharp declines" characteristic [4][11]. External Economic Environment - Two notable characteristics of the external environment include a reversal in the balance of political and economic power between emerging markets and developed countries, and the potential for geopolitical "black swan" events due to US strategic adjustments [5][6]. - The US's strategic shift, as outlined in recent national security and defense strategy reports, suggests a gradual acceptance of its declining hard power status, which may lead to increased geopolitical instability [6]. - The likelihood of "black swan" events in 2026 has been highlighted, with specific risks identified in regions such as Eastern Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and Latin America [7][8]. Gold and Currency Market Insights - The international trend towards multipolarity suggests a sustained downtrend for the US dollar and an uptrend for gold, although fluctuations may occur due to the US's struggle during its decline [12]. - The yen is expected to weaken, with potential for "false rallies" due to policy interventions, as Japan navigates a challenging geopolitical landscape [12]. Investment Strategy Recommendations - A-shares investment should consider a structural adjustment towards mid-cap stocks, as large-cap stocks significantly influence index movements while small-cap stocks may be prone to bubbles and excessive speculation [11]. - Focus on mid-cap manufacturing stocks is recommended, given the increasing global penetration of Chinese manufacturing [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the structural changes in the Japanese yen and Japanese government bonds (JGBs) amid a shifting global order from unipolarity to multipolarity, emphasizing that these changes cannot be attributed solely to short-term economic fluctuations but must be understood within a broader narrative framework [1][2][3]. Group 1: Historical Context of Japan's Geopolitical Role - Japan's geopolitical significance has evolved through two main phases: during the Cold War, it served as a critical support base for the U.S. in Asia, and in the post-Cold War unipolar order, its value shifted to the financial domain [10][11]. - In the Cold War period, Japan acted as a supply base for U.S. military activities and showcased Western capitalist values, enhancing U.S. strategic goals in Asia [11]. - Post-Cold War, Japan's role diminished in military terms but gained importance as a capital-rich nation, providing a stable low-interest environment that facilitated U.S. capital leverage globally [12]. Group 2: Transition to a Multipolar Order - The transition to a multipolar order has made Japan's position increasingly precarious, as the U.S. reduces its reliance on Japan as a financial lever while expecting it to take on more regional security responsibilities [2][18]. - The decline of U.S. hard power has weakened its soft power, leading to a reduced demand for Japan as a tool for capital expansion, which is reflected in the volatility of the yen and JGBs [18][21]. - Japan's geopolitical risks are heightened as it is pushed to the forefront of regional power dynamics, undermining its status as a safe asset [21][22]. Group 3: Implications for Financial Markets - Despite short-term interventions by the Japanese government to stabilize market sentiment, the underlying fundamentals of the yen and JGBs remain fragile due to the ongoing geopolitical shifts [3][21]. - The trend of "de-securitization" of Japanese assets is a specific manifestation of the broader narrative of multipolarity, indicating a fundamental change in global asset pricing logic [22]. - Long-term trends suggest a shift of global capital and growth focus towards emerging markets, which will continue to reshape the foundational logic of asset pricing [22].

Group 1 - The "slaughter line" events may impact the willingness of potential immigrants to the U.S., reflecting a subtle shift in global perceptions of America as a land of opportunity [1][5] - Immigrants contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, accounting for approximately 14% of the population but generating about 17% of GDP, indicating their economic output exceeds their population share [6][7] - The demographic advantage of immigrants, primarily in the prime working age, leads to a higher labor participation rate, making them a crucial pillar of productivity [7] Group 2 - High-skilled immigrants are essential for innovation in the U.S., particularly in AI and technology sectors, where the domestic education system struggles to meet the demand for talent [10][11] - The U.S. relies heavily on foreign talent, with a significant portion of STEM graduates being international students, highlighting the need for high-end immigration to maintain technological leadership [11][12] - Historical patterns show that attracting global talent has been a cornerstone of U.S. innovation, with immigrants holding a substantial share of patents in key industries [12][13] Group 3 - Immigrants serve as net contributors to the U.S. fiscal landscape, providing significant tax revenues while alleviating financial pressures on social welfare systems [17][19] - In 2023, immigrants' estimated purchasing power was around $1.7 trillion, contributing to various sectors and directly stimulating economic growth [19][22] - The younger demographic of immigrants helps sustain the social welfare system by contributing to taxes that support programs for the aging population [22] Group 4 - The "slaughter line" narrative reflects deeper societal issues in the U.S., such as class stratification and weakened safety nets, which may diminish the allure of the "American Dream" [23][24] - Recent tightening of immigration policies and increased enforcement actions signal a growing exclusionary sentiment, potentially reducing the flow of high-skilled immigrants [24][25] - While the U.S. may maintain its economic operations in the short term due to existing advantages, long-term implications could include challenges to economic growth and the stability of the dollar [25]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent U.S. military action in Venezuela, highlighting its unexpected tactical success and implications for both domestic and international politics, particularly under the pressures faced by Trump [2][10][12]. Group 1: U.S. Military Action in Venezuela - The U.S. operation in Venezuela achieved tactical results that exceeded market expectations, potentially causing significant short-term market disruptions [7][10]. - The action is seen as a strategic retreat maneuver by the U.S., attempting to regain control amid rising internal and external pressures on Trump [4][10][24]. - The dual objectives of the operation include securing Venezuela's oil resources to support the U.S. welfare system and stabilizing the oil dollar system [12][14]. Group 2: Implications for Global Geopolitics - The U.S. intervention may lead to increased geopolitical risks, particularly affecting Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, as it challenges the sanctity of national sovereignty [15][19]. - The potential for regional instability is heightened, with implications for U.S. allies and adversaries alike, as the action could provoke responses from major powers like China and Russia [15][19]. Group 3: Impact on China - The direct impact of the Venezuelan situation on the Chinese economy is limited, with bilateral trade around $5 billion and oil imports from Venezuela constituting less than 5% of China's total [3][17]. - However, indirect risks are present, particularly regarding the U.S. strategy of using Venezuela as a warning to other nations, which could affect China's global initiatives [17]. Group 4: Market Reactions - Oil prices are expected to experience short-term pressure but may trend upward in the long term due to concerns over U.S. control of energy sources [18]. - The U.S. dollar may strengthen in the short term due to increased investor confidence but could face long-term challenges as U.S. actions disrupt global order [18]. - Gold prices may be pressured in the short term but are likely to rise in the long term due to escalating geopolitical risks [18].

Core Viewpoint - The report highlights the need for market participants to pay attention to potential geopolitical "black swan" events that could significantly impact global asset prices by 2026 [1][7]. Geopolitical Risks - The risk of escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict into a full-scale confrontation between Russia and Europe is increasing, driven by Russia's battlefield advantages and heightened concerns among Eastern European countries [9]. - The fragile peace in the Middle East and the Caucasus region poses a risk of renewed conflict, particularly with Israel potentially seeking decisive action to ensure its security amid a strategic U.S. withdrawal [14]. - The strategic balance in the South Asian subcontinent is under threat, as the U.S. shifts its focus away from the Indo-Pacific, potentially diminishing India's strategic value and increasing the likelihood of conflict with Pakistan [17]. - Domestic political risks in the U.S. are rising, particularly concerning Trump, as internal support fractures and external pressures mount, which could lead to increased political instability [22]. - Opportunistic strategic risks in the Asia-Pacific region may arise as the U.S. reduces its strategic presence, encouraging countries like Japan and the Philippines to take more adventurous actions [24]. - The rise of "new Monroe Doctrine" in South America could disrupt global trade and supply chains, as the U.S. seeks to assert its dominance in the region, increasing geopolitical risks [25]. Investment Recommendations - Despite the identified geopolitical risks, China's economic resilience and policy stability are viewed as crucial stabilizing factors for the global market [28]. - Investors are advised to establish a geopolitical risk monitoring framework, increase allocations to safe-haven assets like gold and the renminbi, and focus on regions that may benefit from uncertainty, particularly those closely linked to the Chinese economy [29].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that grand narratives are no longer distant political topics but are directly driving structural changes in asset prices, highlighting the importance of understanding these narratives for investment strategies [1][5]. Group 1: Structural Changes in Global Financial Markets - The global financial market is experiencing five significant structural changes: 1. The US dollar has depreciated significantly against physical assets, with a more than 200% decline against gold and over 60% against copper since 2018 [7]. 2. Traditional safe-haven assets like the yen and dollar are losing their risk-hedging properties [13]. 3. Despite no significant acceleration in China's economic growth, A-shares have performed remarkably well [17]. 4. Global stock trading is showing a "bipolar" pattern, with a focus on the US and China [20]. 5. The risk premium for emerging market sovereign debt is decreasing, exemplified by China's successful issuance of a dollar sovereign bond with a 30-fold subscription rate and no premium over US Treasuries [23]. Group 2: Macro Narratives Driving Changes - Three macro narratives are reshaping market logic: 1. Emerging economies are surpassing developed economies, particularly in manufacturing, which has become a new growth engine for global trade [11][28]. 2. The internal "shrinking" of developed economies is obscuring the decline of the US, with significant disparities in growth rates among developed nations [32][36]. 3. The relationship between China and the world is changing, with US strategies failing to contain China's growth, leading to a potential new phase in US-China relations [40][42]. Group 3: Unpriced Macro Narratives - Four key macro narratives have not been fully priced into the market: 1. The narrative of emerging markets surpassing developed ones is not yet reflected in corporate profits and stock valuations, indicating potential for future growth [49]. 2. The systemic undervaluation of the renminbi is expected to be corrected as global economic dynamics shift towards a multipolar order [54]. 3. The US stock market faces risks that may not materialize until late 2026, as the Federal Reserve grapples with inflation and policy credibility [56]. 4. The status of gold is likely to increase as the world transitions to a multipolar order, enhancing its role as a non-sovereign store of value [56].

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the positive trajectory of China's capital market and the increasing market sentiment, particularly in light of the Central Economic Work Conference held on December 10-11, which outlines the direction for China's macroeconomic development towards 2026 [1] - The conference highlighted the "Five Musts" for economic work, which include fully tapping economic potential, balancing policy support with reform innovation, ensuring effective regulation, combining investments in goods and people, and strengthening internal capabilities to face external challenges [1] - The meeting acknowledged the challenges faced by the economy but stressed the importance of confidence and leveraging advantages to maintain stable growth, indicating a readiness for economic work in 2026 [2] Group 2 - The conference established a general tone of "seeking progress while maintaining stability" with key policy goals focused on stabilizing employment, enterprises, markets, and expectations, reflecting a multidimensional and systematic approach to policy [3] - It emphasized the need to expand domestic demand and optimize supply to address the supply-demand imbalance, highlighting both demand-side management and supply-side reforms [3] - The monetary policy will focus on promoting stable economic growth while ensuring reasonable price recovery, indicating a supportive monetary environment for economic recovery [3] Group 3 - Eight key tasks for 2026 were outlined, emphasizing the integration of counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical policies across various dimensions such as domestic demand, innovation, reform, and social welfare [4] - Specific measures include implementing actions to boost consumption, increasing residents' income, and promoting a unified national market to enhance competition and support the private economy [4] - The policies aim to address short-term economic growth challenges while also opening up long-term growth potential [4] Group 4 - The conference's decisions are expected to enhance the stability and positive outlook of the capital market by reducing concerns over short-term economic growth through proactive macro policies [5] - The emphasis on cross-cyclical policies is seen as a way to create a favorable environment for long-term value investment in the capital market [5] - The focus on strengthening internal capabilities and better coordinating domestic economic work with international trade challenges is anticipated to bolster the economy's resilience against external shocks, providing a solid foundation for the capital market [5]

Group 1 - The 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy report emphasizes a shift of focus back to domestic issues, which may initially suggest a retreat from global strategy, but is actually a carefully designed "retreat to advance" strategy [2][11] - The report indicates a potential reduction in direct U.S. security commitments to Europe, aiming to pressure Europe to take on more defense responsibilities while increasing tensions between Russia and Europe [8][13] - In the Asia-Pacific region, the strategy suggests a dual approach of public retreat and covert provocation, encouraging opportunistic countries to take aggressive actions that could disrupt the long-standing peace in the region [14] Group 2 - The report highlights a significant valuation gap between Chinese and U.S. markets, with China's GDP accounting for about 17% of the global economy, while A-shares and Hong Kong stocks represent only 9% and 5% of global market capitalization, respectively [18] - U.S. stock market valuations are seen as high-risk, with the U.S. accounting for approximately 26% of the global economy but nearly 50% of global stock market value, indicating that this pricing may not be sustainable if the unipolar order begins to decline [18] - The report warns of potential geopolitical risks, including the possibility of opportunistic countries taking aggressive actions under U.S. strategic encouragement, which could lead to localized conflicts and impact global supply chains [20]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant appreciation of the RMB against the USD in 2023 and explores the potential for further appreciation in the coming year, driven by differing monetary policies in the US and China, as well as the gradual correction of the RMB's systemic undervaluation [2][8]. Short-term Analysis - The US is likely to adopt a passive easing monetary policy due to fiscal pressures, while China maintains a proactive and stable monetary policy, supporting the continued appreciation of the RMB against the USD [8][15]. - The US faces approximately $400 billion in additional interest burdens, which may compel the Federal Reserve to implement quantitative easing alongside interest rate cuts to alleviate fiscal pressures [9][15]. Medium-term Analysis - The RMB has been approximately 6% undervalued since 2023, with concerns about its systemic undervaluation gradually dissipating [17][20]. - The establishment of an independent cross-border payment network for the RMB, alongside the failure of US financial sanctions against Russia, has catalyzed the internationalization of the RMB [20][24]. Long-term Perspective - The changing perception of the US's hard power and its impact on soft power is expected to gradually influence currency dynamics, with the RMB's undervaluation likely to correct over time [3][26]. - The "small yard, high wall" policy of the Trump administration may further accelerate the shift in currency dynamics, undermining the dollar's role as a global transaction medium [26].