Western countries concerned about Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic have been drawing up new strategies and beefing up their defences in the region. Will it prove enough? https://t.co/HbwyP0J6Kg ...

To counter Russia and China in the high north, America must expand its icebreaker fleet. To do so quickly, it will need Finland’s help https://t.co/lS5LztdpGd ...

From @WSJopinion: India will remain a significant power on the Eurasian landmass for the foreseeable future. It remains in Washington’s interest not to shred its relationship with New Delhi, writes @dhume. https://t.co/9vyD2NZKtz ...

Israel maintaining control deeper inside Gaza than expected, new boundary markers suggest https://t.co/d7ObFjOvvd ...

Core Insights - Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) is currently leading the global IPO rankings, but CEO Bonnie Chan Yiting warns that fundraising activities may slow down due to geopolitical and economic risks [1][3] - Despite the caution, there is a strong pipeline of over 300 companies waiting to list on the HKEX, including the world's largest IPOs this year from Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and Zijin Gold International [1][2][5] IPO Performance - In the first nine months of the year, 66 companies raised a total of US$23.27 billion on HKEX's main board, marking a 220% increase compared to the previous year [5] - CATL's IPO in May raised US$5.3 billion, while Zijin's fundraising last month amounted to HK$24.98 billion (US$3.2 billion) [2] Listing Trends - Approximately half of the listing applicants are classified as "new economy" companies, focusing on sectors such as electric vehicles, biotechnology, and AI [3] - HKEX, along with the Securities and Futures Commission, has implemented reforms to simplify the listing process, aiming to attract more international firms and specialized technology companies [4] Future Outlook - HKEX is positioned to reclaim the title of the world's annual IPO leader by 2025, supported by a robust pipeline of over 300 companies [5]

Global Order Transition - The world is in a great transition to a multipolar world, a post-American order [1] - The transition will be messy and unpredictable as America steps back from its role as global insurer [2] - The old rules do not apply anymore, but the new ones have not been written, requiring actions to tackle global problems and build new trade connections [3][4] - Singapore is keen to work with like-minded countries to lay the foundations of the new multilateral architecture [4][6] - Multipolarity itself does not provide a stable framework, and the world should avoid ending up in exclusionary blocks and spheres of influence [11][12] ASEAN and Regional Dynamics - ASEAN has maintained relative peace and avoided major conflicts in Southeast Asia and is indispensable [14][15] - There are plans to accelerate ASEAN integration to become a more attractive and competitive single market [16] - The actions of tariffs have impacted America's standing in Southeast Asia, though America remains the largest investor in the region [17] - All Southeast Asian countries want to maintain good links with America [18] US-China Relations - The US and China relationship is the most consequential and dangerous fault line in international relations [30] - Both countries are looking at potential choke points to use as leverage, leading to a dynamic of mutually assured destruction [30][31] - The world must realize that China will not converge with Western norms and has become a risen power [38][39] - Singapore needs to work with like-minded countries to preserve and reinforce multilateral frameworks [42] Trade and Investment - Singapore is determined to maintain the integrity of its business environment and will not tolerate businesses violating its laws [23][24] - Trade flows are being reconfigured into new patterns, and Singapore is determined to remain at the center of these global patterns [22] - Singapore remains invested in American companies due to leading-edge technologies and dynamism, but continues to look for opportunities around the world [49] - Singapore sees strategic opportunities with Europe and is keen to forge closer links [50][53]

Geopolitics & Political Landscape - Politics is becoming the new geopolitics, suggesting a shift in global dynamics where political considerations are increasingly shaping international relations [1]

Group 1: China-EU Trade Talks - Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic held a video call to discuss export controls and the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles [3][4] - Wang emphasized China's commitment to maintaining global production security and stability, facilitating approvals for EU companies [3] - Both parties agreed to hold follow-up talks in Brussels on export control issues "as soon as possible" [5] Group 2: European Markets - Major European stock indices ended higher, with the DAX rising 0.13%, CAC 40 gaining 0.68%, and Euro Stoxx 50 edging up 0.13% [5][6] - Notable stock movements included MTU Aero Engines climbing 4.96% and Edenred surging 19.64% [5] - Economic data indicated a slight weakening in Eurozone construction output and a decline in German producer prices [6] Group 3: Security and Geopolitical Tensions - French Culture Minister Rachida Dati defended Louvre Museum's security measures following a recent heist, asserting that security was not faulty [7] - Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski warned that Poland could arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if his aircraft entered Polish airspace, referencing an International Criminal Court warrant against him [9][10] - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on delays in US missile deliveries, indicating a decrease in Russian interest in diplomacy [11]

Europe, as so often before, is getting squeezed by the US and China https://t.co/qEVbBbapSg ...

Geopolitical Risks - Geopolitics is considered the single biggest risk for investors currently [3] - Key geopolitical issues include the war in Ukraine, the US-China tariff conflict, and the potential for China to take over Taiwan [3] - The US's strained relationships with traditional allies could impact the US dollar's reserve currency status [4] War in Ukraine - The war in Ukraine is unlikely to end soon because Vladimir Putin benefits from it as a means to maintain power by creating a foreign enemy [5][6] - Political solutions and offers may be ineffective because Putin's primary concern is staying in power [7] - The war is expected to continue for an extended period [8] Energy Market Leverage - Ending the war requires both weapons for Ukraine to strike Russian targets and addressing Russia's crude oil sales [10] - Since the war began, Russia has sold $400 billion of crude oil to China, India, and Turkey [10] - Targeting the eight refineries (two in China, four in India, two in Turkey) that purchase Russian oil could significantly impact Russia's revenue [10] - An ultimatum to these refineries to choose between doing business with the West or Russia could force them to buy from the West [11] - This could lead to Russian oil selling at $20 per barrel instead of $60, potentially forcing Putin to seek a ceasefire [12]